La Reina student pens winning essay

REWARDED FOR EXCELLENT WRITING—Lalana Aramthaveethong, standing, third from left, joins her parents, far left and far right, and officials from La Reina High School and the Conejo Valley Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution at a recent award ceremony in which Aramthaveethong received first place in the DAR’s Good Citizenship Essay Contest.

The Conejo Valley Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution honored the winner of the Good Citizenship Essay Contest on Feb. 6 at a ceremony at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Agoura Hills.

Betsy Horne, the contest chair, presented the essay award to Lalana Aramthaveethong, a senior at La Reina High School in Thousand Oaks.

Nancy Kilbourne, the DAR chapter regent, and Betsy Potts, chair of the La Reina English Department, were on hand to congratulate Lalana and her parents. Potts spoke of Lalana’s outstanding academic record and her commitment to serving her community.

The DAR Good Citizenship Essay Contest is presented annually with one senior from each area high school competing.

The students must present transcripts, two letters of recommendation and a resume of both academic leadership and community service. The essays are written in a monitored environment with no access to reference materials.

The DAR strives to encourage academic excellence in all areas, but its main focus is to foster a love of country, provide a keen understanding of our nation’s history and appreciation of its freedoms.

The DAR has long promoted patriotism through commemorative celebrations, memorials, scholarships and education, activities for children, and programs for new immigrants.

The Conejo Valley Chapter has an active membership of over 90 women that remains involved in ongoing community service projects.