Contributed by Cinda Lester, Children of the American Revolution - Pierce Downer Society
The Pierce Downer Society of the Children of the American Revolution (CAR), located in Downers Grove, was recognized with a number of awards at the Illinois State Conference of the Children of the American Revolution, which was held at the Stoney Creek Convention Center in Moline, Illinois, Feb. 26-27, 2016.
Pierce Downer Society members Diana Kwak, Alan Kwak, Frank Kwak, Cooper LamBeau and Kellar LamBeau all of Downers Grove, and McKenzie Steinke of Lockport were elected as voting delegates. The children were accompanied to the Conference by Senior Society members, Mrs. Laura Kwak and Mrs. Sarah Steinke, as well as Senior State President Mrs. Sandy Zeles. During the conference, state officers for the 2016–2017 CAR year were elected, reports of state officers and state chairmen were given, local society awards were made, and the state’s Outstanding CAR Society for this year was announced.
Diana Kwak ran for, and was elected to, the office of State Registrar. Diana also gave a report on the year’s activities of the Pierce Downer CAR. Kellar LamBeau gave a report as the Conservation Chairman. Alan Kwak and Frank Kwak served as timekeepers during the business portion of the conference. McKenzie Steinke served as a page. Conference activities also included a pool party, trip to the John Deere Pavilion, awards banquet and dance.
The Pierce Downer Society received the following Project awards:
- Outstanding Illinois Local Society – 1st place
- National President – 1st place, most creative drawing depicting the original tent, by Cooper LamBeau
- First Vice President – 1st place, best program or presentation involving George Washington’s first “oval office” tent, and the Road to Independence project
- Patriotic Education Program – 1st place, best drawing of a Founding Father and/or Great Lady, by Kellar LamBeau
- Public Relations – 1st place, member with the best patriotic poster, by Kellar LamBeau
- Recording secretary – 1st place, best program describing codes and ciphers used in American Revolution correspondence
- Corresponding Secretary – 1st place, best program about the pivotal role correspondence played in American Revolution
- Curator – 1st place, best program highlighting the Road to Independence exhibition at the National Society of the Children of American Revolution (NSCAR) Museum
- CAR magazine – 1st place, best newsletter
- Membership – 2nd place, best program promoting membership and allegiance to CAR
Diana Kwak is in 7th grade at O’Neill Middle School, Alan and Frank Kwak are in 5th grade at Fairmount Elementary School, Cooper and Kellar LamBeau are in 6th and 5th grades at El Sierra Elementary School, all in District 58 in Downers Grove. The Children of the American Revolution is the oldest patriotic youth organization in the United States. Membership is open to anyone who is under the age of 22 and who is a lineal descendant of a person who served in, or rendered aid to the cause of, American independence. For further information, contact CAR National Headquarters, 1776 D Street NW, Room 224, Washington, DC 20006-5303, e-mail hq@nscar.org, or visit the Web site at www.nscar.org.