Jamie Sanders, a senior at Pike Liberal Arts School, was named the 2009 Citizenship Award winner by the Oliver Wiley Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution.

The award was presented to Sanders at the February meeting of the local chapter.

The Oliver Wiley Chapter also recognized the Citizenship Award winners at the other Pike County schools.

Kristen Dease was the award recipient at Goshen High School and Meagan Ellis was the Charles Henderson High School recipient. Pike County High School did not name a Citizenship Award recipient.

Ann Williams, chair of the organization’s citizenship committee, said the recipients of the prestigious awards exemplify the principles of the DAR organization.

“Among those principles are truthfulness, loyalty, trustworthiness, patriotism, moral strength, kindness and helpfulness,” Williams said.

“These young people are outstanding students and citizens. It is an honor to be recognized for having the characteristics of good citizenship and it is an honor for us to have them with us.”

Williams expressed appreciation to the parents and teachers of the award winners, whom she said were exemplary role models.

“They have provided the leadership, support and encouragement that has enabled these young people to do unbelievable things over the past four years,” Williams said.

“I don’t know how they do all that they do. If I told you all of the things that these young people have accomplished and all of the recognitions they have received, we would be here all night.”

Sanders read the essay she submitted as part of the DAR Citizenship Award evaluation process to the club members.

She said the Constitution of the United States and the Bible have been the two most important guidelines for the United States and must continue to be if the country is going to prosper and remain the beacon of hope for the rest of the world.

Sanders is a member of the National Honor Society and the Beta Club.

She is a Student Government Association representative, a Troy University Leadership Conference attendee and an all-star volleyball player.

She participated in the Project Noah after the hurricane that destroyed New Orleans and is a volunteer with the Pike County Relay for Life fundraising campaign and the local humane society.

Dease is the president of the senior class at GHS, captain of the softball and volleyball teams, FAA vice-president and a leader in the Pike County 4-H program. She plans to attend the University of Alabama at Birmingham and earn a degree in nursing.

Ellis is senior class president, a member of the Trojan Myths newspaper staff, the Latin Club and a member of the varsity volleyball team.

She plans to attend the University of Alabama and major in English.