By William White

Published: March 11, 2008

Two local students were recognized by members of the Alabama Society Daughters of the American Revolution during the 110th State Conference awards luncheon Tuesday at The Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center.

ASDAR members honored Christopher Parsons, a student at Drake Middle School in Auburn, and Alicia Peralto, a student at West Forest Elementary School in Opelika.

A repeat winner, Parsons was first place among sixth-graders entering the American History Essay Contest which had as its topic: “I Spy - Espionage during the American Revolution.” Peralto, a third-grader, was recognized by the Junior American Citizens Committee for her contest entry in the “Short Story” category.

This reporter was recognized during the program for “outstanding loyalty in promoting the educational and service goals of ASDAR 2007-2008.”

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to promote patriotism, preserve American history and support better education for our nation’s children. Its members are descended from the patriots who won American independence during the Revolutionary War.

With hundreds of members and guests at the awards luncheon, ASDAR State Regent Shelby Dean Ward of Opelika presented guests visiting the conference from surrounding states, including Anne Donahue Lampman of California, Betty Hartley Ford of IIllinois, Sharon Ann Stringfellow Hopkins of Michigan, Polly Hunter Grimes of Mississippi and Diana Woods of North Carolina.

The three-day conference continued Tuesday with opening-night ceremonies including Nettie Segraves of Auburn, a past NSDAR officer and member of Light Horse Harry Lee Chapter, as one of the special guests.

Wednesday starts with a breakfast for the KDS DAR School located in Grant. The privately owned school serves 1,600 students in grades K-12 and is supported by donations from DAR members and others.

The keynote speaker at the National Defense Luncheon will be James M. Walker Jr., director of the Alabama Department of Homeland Security. Walker was appointed by Gov. Bob Riley and has served since Jan. 20, 2003.

The NSDAR Conservation Medal of Honor will be presented to an Alabama individual or group during Thursday morning’s Conservation Breakfast.