MHS senior Ella Novotney was one of four area high school students to receive a 2025 Good Citizen student award from the Ansel Brainerd Cook Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). The awards were presented Feb. 15 during the chapter meeting at the Libertyville Civic Center.

The DAR Good Citizens program was created in 1934 and is intended to encourage and reward the qualities of good citizenship. The program is open to all senior class students enrolled in accredited public or private secondary schools.

Selected students must have the qualities of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism. The four students named in this award demonstrated these qualities throughout their four years in high school to an outstanding degree.

“These four young women represent the very best of character, leadership, service and patriotism in our community,” said DAR Chapter Regent Peg Pract. “Each of our award recipients has earned the respect of teachers, peers and family through her integrity, commitment and heart for others. It is truly a pleasure to recognize their accomplishments and bright futures.”

The other three students were Maria Bukowski, Carmel High School, Samantha Calderon, Vernon Hills High School and Cecily Hamburg, Libertyville High School. Each received a DAR Good Citizen pin, certificate, wallet recognition card and a monetary award.

Photo from left: Elizabeth Coyne, Chair, Good Citizens Committee; Ella Novotney,Mundelein High School; Cecily Hamburg, Libertyville High School; Samantha Boos Calderon, Vernon Hills High School;  and Peg Pracht, Regent Ansel Brainerd Cook Chapter, DAR.