Du Quoin, Pinckneyville students win citizenship awards

The Long Knives Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution presented its 2017 Outstanding Citizenship Awards to 18 recipients this spring.<br />The award is given to high school seniors who exemplify a sincere academic attitude and good citizenship, and who display the qualities of leadership, cooperation, dependability, congeniality and patriotism.<br />Those receiving the award are Mackenzie Boget, Anna-Jonesboro; Derek Oxford, Benton; William Eaton Brandenburg, Carbondale; Madeline Rae Gossett, Christopher; Sydney Windings, Cobden; Emily Born, Du Quoin; Payton Price, Eldorado; Emma Bigham, Elverado; Mitchell Kerley, West Frankfort; Kylie Horstmann, Galatia; Kenneth Weber, Herrin; Alexis Marie Leonard, Joppa-Maple Grove; Kira Davis, Meridian; Brianna Dirden, Murphysboro; Andrew Brinkley, NCOE; Brady Louis, Pinckneyville; Emmaline Robards, Pope County; and Drew McLane, Shawnee.<br />The Long Knives Chapter's region covers 15 of the 16 southern counties in Illinois, representing 51 high schools. The chapter congratulates the recipients on their accomplishments and deeds.<br />The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution is a patriotic and historic organization founded in 1889. Members are of direct lineage from an ancestor who supported the cause of American Independence between 1774 and 1786.