By Debbie Adams
The Roanoke Valley Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution presented
the 2024 DAR Good Citizen Award to William Byrd High School senior Claire Glover at the
chapter meeting at Campbell Memorial Presbyterian Church on March 9.
NSDAR Regent Cindy Higgins (on left) presented this year’s DAR Good Citizen Award to
WBHS student Claire Glover. She is shown with her parents. Karenna and Eddie Glover. (photo by Debbie Adams)
The DAR Good Citizens Award and Scholarship Contest, created in 1934, is intended to
encourage and reward the qualities of good citizenship. The award recognizes and rewards high
school seniors who possess the qualities of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism in
their homes, schools, and communities.
The DAR Good Citizen is nominated by the faculty at WBHS and voted on by fellow students.
As part of the DAR Good Citizen process, Glover was invited to write an essay to participate in
the scholarship segment of the competition. This year’s assigned topic was “What are the civic
responsibilities of a good citizen and why are these duties, activities, and behaviors important to
the shaping of America you hope to experience?” She read her essay to the DAR members at
their meeting.
Glover’s Essay:
“A good citizen of America. When hearing this trait, who is the first person that comes to mind?
Is it your neighbor that flies an American flag from their front stoop? Is it the lady in the grocery
store wearing an ‘I voted’ sticker with pride? Or is it the little boy filled with uncontainable
excitement as he waits to see fireworks on the fourth of July? Although all these people exhibit
characteristics of a proud American, displaying civic responsibilities of a good citizen is so
much more. A good citizen not only shows pride in their own country, but represents a spirit of
camaraderie, shows selfless behavior, and demonstrates respect for others.
Our nation was built on the importance of community and camaraderie; without it, our society
would be bitter and insufficient. The basis of camaraderie is companionship and can be shown in
several ways. From a simple wave to a stranger, to holding the door for someone, camaraderie
is always about community. Good citizens represent camaraderie in many aspects of life, and
always look to be a companion to others. This attitude of fellowship and friendship creates a
positive society with citizens that care for the well-being of one another.
Among our often-selfish society, it can be hard to show selflessness. A good citizen often looks to
put the benefit of other people above their own. This behavior can be represented in numerous
ways throughout society. Although this task is seemingly simple, it not only makes a difference among the community, but can also change someone’s personal outlook. Through selfless
actions, the attitude of society is altered, and the sense of compassion is felt by all.
Respect is something that has been instilled among society for years. In grade school, we are
taught to respect our teachers, ourselves, and our peers. I often question why this sense of
respect has been lost amongst my generation. The loss of respect is often due to differences of
opinions and circumstances. A good citizen sees past these differences and respects others
regardless. Encouraging and upholding this sense of respect for generations to come, allows a
diverse version of America with the freedom to voice opinions without judgment or criticism.
America is built on the people; by prioritizing the kind and respectful treatment of others, the
community becomes more efficient and inclusive to all. Representing a spirit of camaraderie,
showing selfless behavior, and demonstrating respect for others, not only represents civic
responsibilities of a good citizen, but also shapes America to be an accepting and caring society.
With the importance of people placed above all else, differences can be set aside, and the growth
of a strong and healthy nation can be prioritized.”
Her essay has advanced to state competition.
Glover will graduate this spring from William Byrd High School as a valedictorian with the
Class of 2024. She has consistently been named to the All A Honor since 2020. She plans to
attend a four-year university to earn her bachelor’s degree in human nutrition and dietetics. Her
career plans are “to work as a registered dietitian consulting with patients and helping to educate
and influence them to better their diet and health.”
Glover is the president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at William Byrd, and a founding
member of William Byrd Young Life, which promotes faith-based social opportunities for
students and contributes to establishing a sense of belonging and a welcoming atmosphere for
William Byrd students.
She is captain of the William Byrd cross country team and of the girls soccer team. She was
named “Most Valuable Runner” in varsity cross country in 2020, Top Byrd 400 runner in 2022
and 2023, and won both All-District and All-Region awards in varsity girls soccer in 2023. She
was also a varsity guest player on the WB girls lacrosse team from 2021-2023. She has been a
member of Virginia United Travel Soccer from 2015-2023.
She was the William Byrd representative for the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Foundation in
2022 as a sophomore, developing skills to help take initiative and influence others to make a
change within the community.
She was nominated for Top Terrier in 2022-23 and belongs to the Leo Club and Beta Club, and
served as a Junior Marshal in 2022.
Glover has assisted in many ways as a volunteer at the Roanoke Rescue Mission. During the
pandemic she packaged and delivered boxes filled with food and supplies for those in need.
When the kitchen reopened, Glover spent Tuesday evenings volunteering in the kitchen to help prepare and serve dinner, helping to ease the responsibilities of staff and give back to those
around her.
She has also volunteered at Carilion Roanoke Memorial. Last summer she served as front desk
volunteer to assist and escort patients and visitors throughout the hospital, which resulted in
building relationships, while also providing a source of comfort to patients and families during a
stressful time.
“During college and throughout my adult life, I intend to give back to my community through
volunteer work,” Glover says.
She has worked as a preschool teacher with 3-year-olds at Second Presbyterian Preschool and as
a babysitter for about six years.
Her hobbies are running, playing the ukelele, cooking, traveling, and doing watercolors.
WBHS Principal Tammy Newcomb said, “In the four years I have known Claire as her principal,
I have witnessed her exceptional intellectual abilities and outstanding accomplishments in all
areas of her life, particularly in academics which are truly remarkable. She has consistently
demonstrated a deep commitment to her studies and maintained an exceptional GPA of 4.28. Her
consistent high performance is a testament to her strong work ethic, dedication, and
determination in pursuing academic excellence.
“In addition to her academic accomplishments, Claire exhibits exemplary leadership skills and
academic involvement. She actively participates in various academic clubs and organizations,
where she not only contributes her knowledge and skills, but also inspires and motivates her
fellow students to strive for excellence.”
William Byrd chemistry teacher Melissa Carr says, “Claire is an extremely talented and gifted
young woman who has impressed me with her academic achievements as well as her empathetic,
caring, yet fun-loving nature and drive. She sets high expectations for herself and has a way of
encouraging those around her to do the same. She is ‘one to watch’ as she is destined for great
things.”
Glover is the daughter of Eddie and Karenna Glover.
