Students across Garrard County Schools were recently recognized for their outstanding achievements in the Daughters of the American Revolution Junior American Citizens (DAR JAC) Awards Program, earning honors at the state, regional, and national levels in multiple academic and creative categories.
The DAR JAC Awards Program encourages students to express their appreciation for America’s heritage and history through art, writing, photography, and other creative projects. This year, Garrard County students earned an impressive number of awards across Kentucky, the East Central Region, and the national level.
At Paint Lick Elementary School, several students were recognized in the poetry category. Second grade students Caleb Rhodus, Jackson Isaacs, and Noli Schneider each earned first place at the state and East Central Region levels, with Jackson Isaacs receiving first place nationally and Caleb Rhodus and Noli Schneider earning second place nationally. Fifth grade students Emma Alford and Ash Downing also earned first place honors at the state, regional, and national levels for their poetry entries.
In the short story category, Forrest Ives earned first place at the state level and second place in the East Central Region, while Brayden Frisby received first place at the state level. Jada Stewart and Gunner Hubbuch both earned first place honors at the state, regional, and national levels for their short story submissions.
Paint Lick Elementary students also found success in the banner category. Teams including Colton VanWinkle, Deacon Mullins, Greta Throne, Lochlin Shackleford, and Piper Vance; Alivia Davison, Julie Saylor, Townes Ray, Cora Farler, and Alaska Woods-Lamb; and Orion Madden, Benjamin Crawford, River Taulbee, and Luke Fain all earned first place awards at the state, East Central Region, and national levels.
Additionally, Ariel Wilson earned the Governor James Garrard Award in the poster category.
At Lancaster Elementary School, fourth grade students Hunter Daughtery and Alijah Jones earned first place at the state and East Central Region levels in poetry, with Alijah Jones earning first place nationally and Hunter Daughtery receiving second place nationally. Sadie Matthews and Jaxon Robertson each earned first place at the state level. Fifth grade students Briar Ross and Jesslynn Miller also earned first place honors at the state and East Central Region levels, with Briar Ross placing second nationally.
At Camp Dick Robinson Elementary School, students were recognized in the stamp category. Lilly Wagoner, Juan Ramos, and Brooklyn Duggins each earned first place at the state level, while Brooklyn Duggins also placed third in the East Central Region competition. Ethan Brooks earned first place honors at the state, regional, and national levels, and Lacy Stipe earned first place at the state and regional levels along with second place nationally.
Garrard County High School students also received recognition through the DAR JAC Awards Program. Jesse Friend earned first place at the state and East Central Region levels in the stamp category. Freshman Lori Burkhead earned first place honors at the state, regional, and national levels in both the Community Service and Photo Essay categories.
The accomplishments of these students highlight the creativity, talent, and dedication of Garrard County Schools students across all grade levels. Their recognition on the state, regional, and national stages reflects both their hard work and the support of their teachers, schools, and families.