The Lake Minnetonka Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution is proud to announce the deserving winners of its 2021 student competitions. The DAR honors top students with awards that recognize their potential as future leaders through their dedication to community service, outstanding academic accomplishments, and passion for American history.
Orono High School senior, Samantha Prodahl, is the recipient of the Lake Minnetonka Chapter DAR scholarship award. Winners of this award are chosen for their academic achievement, leadership in extra-curricular activities, and the student’s intention to pursue a career that benefits society. In addition to winning academic awards in math and science, along with varsity letters in two sports, Samantha has made an impressive impact on her community. She has planted two rain gardens at the Orono Nature Center with her Girl Scout Troop, served in the Orono Girls Basketball Youth Mentor program, and created care packages for active-duty military personnel with the Children of the American Revolution. After high school, Samantha intends to pursue her life-long dream of a career in nursing stating, “My main ambition for the future is to dedicate my life to helping those in need.”
Wayzata High School junior, Erin Olson, is the winner of the DAR Youth Citizenship Medal. This award is given to students who display exceptional service, courage, leadership and patriotism. Erin is both an excellent student and musician. In nominating Erin for this award, her band teacher states that, “Erin is a leader at our school. She is widely respected as a person of character.“ She is a member of National Honor Society, Girl Scouts and is part of the inaugural class of female Eagle Scouts through Scouts BSA Troop 5283 in Wayzata. These organizations have nurtured her passion for community service and leadership. Persevering through many pandemic complications, Erin successfully completed an extensive, year-long project to refurbish three client rooms and revitalize the garden area at a Minnesota women’s shelter. The Lake Minnetonka Chapter DAR was proud to support Erin’s efforts with funds to purchase new furniture and supplies.
Middle School students were invited to compete in the DAR essay competition by composing pieces inspired by the 250th anniversary of the Boston Massacre. Wayzata West Middle School student, Grace Li, was awarded first place at the Minnesota state level for grade 8. Wayzata Central Middle School student, Aaratrika Mondal, was awarded first place at the Minnesota state level for grade 7. Wayzata West Middle School student, Tahmid Reza, was awarded first place at the chapter level for grade 6. These talented students were recognized for their accomplishments at recent state and local DAR events.
The Lake Minnetonka Chapter DAR congratulates these students on their well-earned awards.
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