Daughters of the American Revolution aid in Planning for College

Planning and paying for college can feel like a daunting task, but the Olathe Chapter, NSDAR was there to help make the process a little easier for more than 100 Olathe-area high school students and their families.

On the evening of September 14, Lucinda Sanders, Janis Miller, and Liz Howell represented the Olathe Chapter at Olathe Scholarship Night. They spoke with students and families about the many local and national scholarships available through the Daughters of the American Revolution. The three volunteers distributed flyers that highlighted the available scholarship opportunities and provided additional information about those specifically available to local students.

And, as the saying goes, the world really is a small place! The evening brought several wonderful connections and also showed just how far the impact of a DAR scholarship can reach. Liz was reunited with one of her former fifth-grade students, who is now the facilitator for Counseling and College and Career Readiness. It is always so neat to see former students being successful and helping others. Even more special and heartwarming was when one family who was in attendance had a story of their own to share. A mom who stopped by the DAR table was able to tell her child that she had been the recipient of a DAR scholarship her senior year and she encouraged him to also apply. Such a unique reminder that these scholarships can have a lasting impact, not only helping students pursue their education, but creating a legacy that continues from one generation to the next.

Lastly, while this did not occur at the scholarship night, it is important to add that there are also connections that bring the impact of DAR scholarships full circle. One of the Olathe Chapter’s new sponsors for the Swing Under the Wings Hangar Dance was happy to support the event because she herself was once the recipient of one of the larger scholarships offered by the DAR. A telling example of how receiving an opportunity can inspire someone to give back and help create opportunities for others.

The Olathe Chapter is proud to connect local students and families with educational opportunities and to share the many ways the DAR supports the next generation. From scholarship recipients to volunteers, sponsors, educators, and families, it truly is a small world, and a wonderful community to be part of.