32 JULY 2024 By Rachael Bouley It’s been a big year for Kishan Bhatnagar, who not only ended his final year of high school as valedictorian but was also awarded the Good Citizens Award by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). The DAR Good Citizens Committee presented Kishan with this award following his compelling essay, A Duty to Act and Love , in which he wrote about the importance of doing what is right and remaining respectful of one another, even during disagreements. The Arizona State Society DAR judges were impressed by his essay on building a brighter future for America by working together and embracing civic responsibility. “DAR is a women’s service organization founded in 1890 and based in Washington, DC. Its main objectives are to promote historic preservation, education, and patriotism,” Schulz explained. “It consists of women who can prove direct lineage to men and women who served on the patriot side in the Revolutionary War.” The Good Citizens Award essay contest started in 1934 and recognizes outstanding high school seniors who exhibit the qualities of good citizenship in their homes, schools and communities. “Kishan received extremely high ratings from all three judges. He is an outstanding individual who represents a great hope for the future of this country,” Barbara Schulz, Arizona State Chair of the committee, said. There are two ways to receive an award within the Arizona State Society DAR. At the chapter level, a school may select one student per year for recognition, with the winner receiving a pin, a certificate and sometimes a monetary award. These students may choose to submit an essay on a particular subject to be considered for further awards, such as the Good Citizens Award, which three judges decide. Kishan’s essay was chosen out of seven submissions for this year’s honor, which considers criteria like dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism – all core values of DAR. Kishan founded the Veritas Peer Tutoring Organization to help fellow students succeed and also served as captain of the cross- country team and a member of the Student- Athlete Advisory Committee for Great Hearts Academies. While at Veritas, he was part of the Elite Chorale and participated in the Arizona High School Leadership Academy and Arizona Boys State simulation of state government, which inspired his Good Citizens essay. “My teachers nominated me for the local award, and then I filled out an application and wrote a two-hour timed essay to win the Good Citizen Award,” Kishan said. “I think I was so tired after the essay that I didn’t expect to win, so I was definitely surprised and honored when it happened.” This was not the only award bestowed upon Kishan this year. Veritas Prep’s athletic director presented him the AD award for student-athlete leadership. He also received the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute Medal for Leadership and earned an Iron Man medal for competing in school sports over three seasons. “My essay reflected on the basic principles of service and how it was the foundation of freedom in the United States,” Kishan said. “I strive for my life to be one focused on serving the community and making positive changes because that’s one of the most gratifying feelings to have.” He will continue his academic journey at Barrett Honors College at Arizona State University this fall. arizonadar.org Veritas graduate recognized with award for good citizenship Barbara Schulz, Arizona State Chair of the DAR Good Citizens Committee, Kishan Bhatnagar, and Sallie Béraud Lovorn, Arizona State Regent, at the 2024 awards ceremony. PHOTO COURTESY OF ANUJ BHATNAGAR

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