Byrd student Makenzie Scott receives DAR Good Citizen Award

By Debbie Adams

William Byrd High School senior Makenzie Scott has received the prestigious DAR Good
Citizen Award for 2026. The award was presented at the Roanoke Valley Chapter National
Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) meeting in Vinton on March 14 by Regent
Susan Doyle. Scott was the winner at both the local and district levels.

The DAR Good Citizens Award and Scholarship Contest, established 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.

Scott will be graduating from William Byrd High School with honors in May. She plans to
attend Roanoke College to earn her bachelor’s degree in Health and Exercise Science and then
transfer to Radford University Carilion to earn her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.

During her high school years, she has served as president of the Student Council Association. She is
a member of the Leo Club, accumulating over 40 hours of community service through various
volunteer projects in and out of school. She is an active member of the Prevention Club,
promoting safe driving and raising awareness of drug prevention among peers. She was named a
Junior Marshal for last year’s graduation due to her 4.0 GPA throughout high school. She serves
on Senior Council, is a member of the Beta Club honor society and the Help Save the Next Girl
Chapter. She competed on the William Byrd competition cheer team for one year and was a sideline
cheerleader on JV and varsity for three years, where she was captain her freshman and junior
years.

Scott competed in track and field for three years, specializing in pole vault, and going to state
competition her sophomore year.

She became a member of Phil Theta Kappa Honor Society by maintaining a 3.5 or higher GPA
while taking dual enrollment and regular courses through Virginia Western Community College.

She has also been recognized as a Governor’s Scholar for completing the General Studies
Associate Degree program through Virginia Western while still in high school.

Scott and her family have volunteered with Healing Strides of Virginia, an equestrian center that
provides wellness for people with personal challenges who can benefit from equine-assisted
activities and therapies in a safe and supportive environment. They also volunteer at World Help,
an organization which serves the needs of people around the world.

In her free time, Scott enjoys hiking, exercising, painting and crafting.

Scott has chosen physical therapy as a career because, “Throughout my childhood and teenage
years, I have dealt with many injuries as a result of dancing, cheerleading, and track. I have seen
many physical therapists throughout the years, and they have had lasting impacts on me. My
experience has made me want to help people in the same way they have helped me.”

One of the teachers who recommended Scott for the DAR award, Madison Weisenborn, said,
“What makes Makenzie truly remarkable is her ability to balance her rigorous academics,
leadership roles, extracurricular involvement, and athletics while excelling in all of them. She
approaches every responsibility with maturity, determination, and grace. I have no doubt she will
carry these same qualities into her future endeavors and continue to make a positive impact
wherever she goes.”

Scott’s AP/Dual Credit U.S. History teacher, Caitlin Lilley, said, “In addition to her academics,
Makenzie has worked to make sure that the community around her is a better place. She
possesses a rare combination of academic brilliance, community dedication, and personal
integrity that will make her an excellent recipient of this scholarship. I am confident that she will
continue to excel and contribute meaningfully as a citizen in the world around her.”

As part of the DAR Good Citizen process, Scott was invited to write an essay to participate in
the scholarship segment of the competition. This year’s assigned topic was “Our American
Heritage and Our Responsibility for Preserving It,” with the prompt “Our nation will celebrate
the 250 th birthday of the United States of America on July 4, 2026. Describe how the
characteristics of a good citizen help renew and strengthen the democracy achieved by the
Patriots of the American Revolution.”

Here is Makenzie Scott’s essay:

“As we reach the 250 th anniversary of America’s independence, the characteristics of a good
citizen have shaped and strengthened our democracy in various ways. The four main qualities of
a good citizen: dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism, directly support and strengthen
our democracy by encouraging active, responsible participation in civic life.

“Dependability fosters trust in communities and throughout America. Citizens who show
truthfulness, loyalty, and punctuality help make the democratic process more predictable and
stable. When people regularly fulfill their civic duties, such as voting, volunteering, and obeying
laws, they strengthen America’s democratic process. This shows that when you can depend on each other, our democracy becomes stronger because of our fellow citizens’ abilities to be
truthful and loyal while making decisions for our country.

“Another trait of a good citizen is the ability to serve our communities. Service involves
cooperation, courtesy, and consideration for others. Engaged citizens who serve their
communities, whether through volunteering at a local homeless shelter or helping their neighbors
with little chores like mowing their grass, promote consideration and fairness for others, which is
a central value in our democracy. As someone who serves their community consistently, helping
people in need is one of the greatest things you can do for our country. Our country relies on
people being kind and considerate.

“Leadership requires initiative, responsibility, and the ability to inspire and guide others. Citizens
who take on leadership roles in government, schools, or community organizations advocate for
change, help resolve conflicts, and teach others how to be responsible, servant leaders. This
ensures that our democracy remains dynamic and responsive. If we didn’t have responsible
leaders, America would not have anyone to rely on to make good decisions.

“The final characteristic of a good citizen I will talk about is patriotism. Patriotism is one of the
most important qualities as a citizen. Citizens need to love America and have an interest in their
communities and nation to advocate for what is right. Patriotism motivates individuals to put the
common good above personal gain. This quality helps protect some of the main values of
democracy: unity, respect, and freedom.

“Overall, good citizen qualities empower individuals to work for the good of society, promote
respectful engagement with different viewpoints, and encourage direct involvement in the
democratic process. This, in turn, helps democracy succeed through responsible, ethical, and
active citizenship.”

Scott was accompanied to the awards ceremony by her mother Michelle, sister Brooklynn, friend Parker
Spradlin, and his mother, Lori.

During the DAR meeting, members celebrated Woman’s History Month with several presentations on women of merit. A new member, Gayle Thomasson, was inducted.