Pierce Downer Society Children of the American Revolution attends State Conference and National Convention

The Pierce Downer Society of the Children of the American Revolution (C.A.R.), 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 Hilton Garden Inn, in St. Charles, Illinois, April 1, 2017.

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. During the conference, state officers for the 2017–2018 C.A.R. year were elected, reports of state officers and state chairmen were presented, local society awards were given, and the state’s Outstanding C.A.R. Society for this year was announced.

Diana Kwak ran for, and was elected to, the office of State Chaplain. Diana, President of the Pierce Downer Society, gave a report on the year’s activities. Kellar LamBeau submitted a report as the Mountain Schools Chairman. McKenzie Steinke served as a page. Conference activities also included a pool party, trip to Fermilab, awards banquet and dance.

The Pierce Downer Society received the following Project awards:

• Outstanding Illinois Society – 1st place, Best Society with 36 members or more
• National President’s Project – 1st place, best program about the Battle of Yorktown’s cannons project
• President – 1st Place, most toiletries / comfort items collected for Fisher House at Hines VA Hospital
• First Vice President – 1st place, best program about First Ladies
• Corresponding Secretary – 1st place, best program about Revolutionary War correspondence
• Registrar – 1st place, best program about voting
• Chaplain – 1st place, best prayer by member over 11 years old, by Cooper LamBeau
• Patriotic Education Program – 1st place, best design of a militia uniform, by Kellar LamBeau
• Veterans – 1st place, best poster designed for service dogs for veterans, by Kellar LamBeau
• Conservation – 2nd place, best program about National Parks
• Kids Helping Kids – 2nd Place, most public service hours by children for children
• Membership – 2nd place, best program promoting membership and allegiance to C.A.R.
• Mountain Schools – 2nd place, best program about C.A.R.’s mountain schools project.
• Illinois State Merit Award – Honorable Mention
• National Merit Award – Honorable Mention

President Diana Kwak also represented the Pierce Downer Society at the National Society Children of the American Revolution annual convention in Washington DC, April 21-23, 2017.

In addition, several C.A.R. members submitted entries for the Daughters of the American Revolution’s (D.A.R.) Junior American Citizen’s (J.A.C.) Committee contest – including a banner, stamp design, and photo-essays about our National Parks.

· Kellar LamBeau’s photo-essay won for 6th graders: 1st place in the State of Illinois, 1st place in the North Central Division, 3rd place in the United States

· Cooper LamBeau’s photo-essay won for 7th graders: 1st place in the State of Illinois, 1st place in the North Central Division, 1st place in the United States

Kellar and Cooper were presented with their award certificates, pins, and national medals at the May 13, 2017 meeting of the Isle a la Cache Society of the D.A.R. in Romeoville, Illinois.

Diana Kwak is in 8th grade at O’Neill Middle School, Alan and Frank Kwak are in 6th grade at Fairmount Elementary School, Cooper LamBeau is in 7th grade at O’Neill Middle School, and Kellar LamBeau is in 6th at El Sierra Elementary School, all in District 58 in Downers Grove.

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Began in 1895, 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. Members gain valuable leadership experience in conducting meetings, following parliamentary procedures and standard protocol, serving as delegates and speaking before groups at local, state and national conferences. At present, there are over 9,000 members of the C.A.R. nationwide.

For further information, contact C.A.R. 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.