Patriot E-News October 2019

October 2019

KDS Celebrates 95th Dedication Day

Beautiful fall weather welcomed visitors from across the country to the KDS DAR School's 95th Dedication Day celebration on Thursday, October 17th and Friday, October 18th. This year's festivities were even more special as the NSDAR Sunshine School Tour was present on campus. President General Denise VanBuren, National School Chair Morgan Lake, members of the NSDAR Executive Board, groups from California and Texas, and numerous others travelling by car were on-hand to share in this special occasion. All total, more than 350 DAR guests were present at KDS on Thursday and Friday.

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KDS Receives Very Special Gift

During Dedication Day, KDS Executive Director Heather Green took part in a very special presentation. Christina Ramos, a Daughter from California, was the winner of President General Marie Hirst Yochim's beautiful bow pin at the Junior Membership luncheon during Continental Congress 2018. Christina knew that Mrs. Yochim was a very dear friend and avid supporter of KDS, so she donated this very special pin to the school.

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KDS Teacher Presented the JAC Thatcher Award

Pictured, from left to right are Alabama Society DAR JAC Chair Susie Keller, Cynthia Maples, NSDAR President General Denise VanBuren, and Alabama State Regent Tammy Clemons.

During Dedication Day, a special KDS teacher was recognized for her devotion to the KDS 6th grade Junior American Citizens Club.

Cynthia Maples is a 1977 graduate of KDS DAR School and is in her 34th year of teaching at KDS. For her years of exemplary service, she was presented the NSDAR Thatcher Award. This award is given to mature JAC members and adults who have shown outstanding leadership, dedication, and service to the JAC program.

The Thatcher Award was established in 1948 in honor of Mrs. Lillian Thatcher of Pueblo, Colorado, who presented $1,000 to the National JAC Committee to promote committee work.

KDS Represented at Legislative Event

Congressman Aderholdt is shown here speaking with KDS High School Principal Marsha Mitchell (right) and Assistant Principal Cillia Smith.

On October 3, Frank Collazo, Chairman and CEO of Colsa Corporation, hosted a reception for Congressman Robert Aderholt at the Kennamer's Cove Trading Post in Grant. The reception was organized to raise awareness about issues affecting KDS was attended by numerous members of the school faculty, staff, and community members. Congressman Aderholt spoke about legislative issues pertinent to the community, and KDS Executive Director Heather Green spoke about the needed improvements at the KDS track.

Following the reception, a private dinner was held at the home of Mr. Collazo. KDS and the entire Gunter Mountain community are so fortunate to have loyal friends like Mr. Collazo who are devoted to helping the school further its mission.