DAR Honors Avon’s Katie McIntyre as Good Citizen

The Phoebe Humphrey Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution has honored Avon’s Katie McIntyre and Canton’s MaryGrace Bangs for their contributions to school and community.

The two high-school seniors were awarded the Good Citizens Awards from the Collinsville-based chapter Thursday night. The honors included some words about the girls, a certificate, a good citizens pin, as well as town and state proclamations. Both girls participated in an essay contest and will be among those who could receive further accolades from state and national chapters. 

Joan B. Finney, regent for the Collinsville chapter, said the honor is given for dependability, service, leadership and patriotism.

It is something the girls can carry with them and use on college applications and elsewhere, she said.

“A lot of people don’t understand how important this award it,” Finney said. “It’s something that’s a honor for your whole life.”

Bangs has won many academic subject awards, received the Brown Book Award, is a distinguished honor student, a music program participant and has lettered in varsity lacrosse and soccer.

She is also generous and selfless, Canton High School principal Gary Gula said.

“She’s a giver — always a smile on your face and a can-do attitude,” Gula said.

Bangs plans to study pediatric nursing and said Catholic University of America is her first college choice.

“It’s just an incredible honor,” Bangs said.

McIntyre has volunteered extensively for Special Olympics, is a member of the National Honor Society and a key part of Avon High School’s varsity cross country, indoor track and track and field teams.

Avon High School principal Jason Beaudin said McIntyre has the outlook similar to so many veterans, like his grandfather, that served because “it’s the right thing to do.”

“I see a person that embodies that,” Beaudin said.

He also added that so many students are dedicated, getting up early in the morning, participating in activities and doing homework late into the night. McIntyre does it for all the right reasons, he said.

“It’s not what you do but what’s in your heart,” he said. “She does it from the heart.”

McIntyre’s first college choice is the University of Maryland and she plans to study accounting.

“It’s very unexpected,” McIntyre said of the honor. “It’s an important award.” 

The local DAR chapter was founded in 1905. Avon students were among those honored since they attended Canton High School until the early 1960s, Finney said. Since there is no DAR chapter in Avon, the organization continues the tradition by honoring a student from Canton and one from Avon each year.  

DAR includes women 18 or over, regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background, who can prove "lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution," according to the national organization's web site.  

For more information on the local chapter, click here.