In the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year, BHS senior Sarah Alwaras was awarded finalist for the Daughters of The American Revolution Good Citizen Award, awarding her qualification for the scholarship.
According to DAR, the scholarship is “intended to encourage and award the qualities of good citizenship.” High school seniors are awarded based on community dependability and services, along with acute leadership skills. Teachers and peers nominate students based on their possession of these qualities.
Sarah received a letter regarding this scholarship with no further application process. She was able to secure her spot by filling out her information and completing frequent check-ups with her counselor. Sarah is involved in multiple community endeavors and is described as very kind and generous by her peers.
During her junior year, Sarah had hopes to “better [herself] and make a change.” She started doing so by prioritizing her grades and showing up for her community: “I quickly realized that being involved, whether it is playing a sport, volunteering, or focusing on school, can really make a difference in your community. It offers you a chance to recognize your achievements and to meet people who share the same goal as success.” Says Sarah. “It opened my eyes to the support that I’ve always looked for, leading to my qualification to receive this award.”
Being recognized for her work has ultimately motivated her to do more for her community and be a good role model for others, she claims.
Annually, 16,000 students are awarded this scholarship, receiving a range of $324,000-$467,000 in total awards. With this award, Sarah plans on attending Michigan State University in the fall in hopes to pursue a major in Biochemistry. In the future, she seeks a career in dermatology, hoping to one day make others feel comfortable in their own skin.
