Kaylyn Rose Ellis of Pike County High School was named the winner of the 2012 Oliver Wiley Chapter NSDAR Good Citizen Award.

Ellis was one of four students from across Pike County who were selected to represent their schools in the Oliver Wiley Chapter’s annual Good Citizen contest.

Davon Elder represented Goshen High School; Luke Herndon represented Charles Henderson High School and Josh Starling represented Pike Liberal Arts School.

Rebecca Skibba, Chapter regent, said each year the Oliver Wiley Chapter DAR holds a contest to choose four students from across the county who represent the qualities DAR considers necessary to be a good citizen.

“Some of the things considered are patriotism, dependability, service to community, extra curricular activities and academic excellence,” she said.

“We look at the whole person, not just the essay, which is a part of the competition. Their actions truly speak louder than their words.”

Each school selects a winner and a judge, who is not a Chapter member, picks a winner.

“I don’t envy the judge one bit,” Skibba said.

“All four of these students are outstanding citizens and they are winners already.”

Ellis was characterized as a “willing worker with a mature sense of priorities” by Sharon Denison, director of the Academy and Finance at PCHS.

As the winner of the 2012 Oliver Wiley Chapter NSDAR Good Citizen Award, Ellis was invited to read her essay on “American Heritage and Responsibilities.”

Ellis said that, with freedom, comes great responsibility.

“That responsibility requires you to the right thing,” she said. “To be a good citizen you should have good morals and high standards. You must respect our freedoms and maintain responsibility for them.”

Elijah Shfah, pastor of Greater St. Paul AME Church, said Elder is the epitome of one who possesses the drive and determination to ensure that all of his endeavors and goals are met with the utmost integrity.

Herndon was described as a self-motivated team player by Julie Thomas, CHHS guidance counselor. “This young man will make you proud as he succeeds both personally and academically on a college level.”

Susan Carr, PLAS counselor, said, with no reservations, that Starling is one of the hardest workers and independent thinkers of all the students she has worked with over her many years.

Parents of the 2012 DAR Good Citizens are Scotty and Teresa Ellis, Attric and Betty Elder, Patty Herndon and Buddy and Sherry Starling.

Skibba said all four students exemplify the qualities of good citizens ship.

“Our next generation is in good hands,” she said.