Murray, Ky., April 12, 2022-Murray High School senior, Amanda Peiffer, has been named the national female winner of the DAR Good Citizen Essay competition. Peiffer will receive a $5,000 scholarship and attend the awards ceremony at the annual meeting in Washington D.C. June 30, 2022.
Peiffer's essay: DAR Our American Heritage and Our Responsibility for Preserving It: describes: "How do the qualities of a good citizen (dependability, service, leadership, patriotism) help support our nation?"
Prior to receiving the national award, Peiffer was named the Kentucky district, state, and Eastern Division winner for the DAR Good Citizen Essay competition, where she advanced with 16 division winners across the nation to the national pool of applicants.
“On behalf of the Murray Independent School District, I wish to congratulate Amanda for being named the DAR Good Citizen Essay National Winner. This is an extraordinary accomplishment by a hardworking, dedicated student,” said Coy Samons, Murray Independent School District superintendent.
Peiffer described Dependability, Service, Leadership and Patriotism as key values which help establish dedication to communities and country in her essay. "The moral compass we develop throughout our lives shapes how we interpret what it means to be an American. Being reliable is the base from which all trusting relationships are built, and without it, we would lack accountability and regard for other people. "
Peiffer concluded that dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism are fundamental to our nation’s growth and progress. "They aren’t simply qualities one obtains and then no longer thinks about, they are lifelong goals that each citizen must constantly strive for to improve his or herself, as well as our country."
Tony Jarvis, Murray High School principal congratulates Peiffer. "We are so very proud of Amanda's accomplishments. She is a deserving young person who is kind, bright and genuinely supportive of everyone at Murray High School. The sky is the limit for Amanda and she has earned this recognition."
Peiffer is also an MSU Presidential Fellow Scholarship recipient where she will attend MSU on a full-ride pursuing Biochemistry major coupled with a Spanish minor, to pursue a career as a medical laboratory scientist and study breast cancer. Peiffer is also the first Kentucky student awarded a scholarship to attend a two-week long research program this summer in Alaska, as part of Inspiring Girls Expeditions. The scholarship was established for women pursuing STEM who have an affinity for both art and research and provide experience prior to entering college.
Peiffer is the daughter of Teresa Peiffer, Murray.
Editor's note: Portions of Peiffer's essay contain exact quotes from her national winning essay.