Area DAR chapter earns honors at state conference

After joining the organization just four years ago, Morgan Lake, regent of the John Guild Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution, was named state outstanding junior in a surprise presentation at the state conference held recently in Jefferson City.

She was cited for her outstanding work and the chapter received many awards including the highest honor roll points in the state. The chapter scrapbook won second place in the competition.

As chapter regent, Lake served as personal page to the president general and state regent Mrs. George T. Lanz.

Lake's position as regent furthered chapter and state growth by updating the chapter's Web site and increasing membership from 61 to 74 members.

Four years ago, Lake began proving documentation to apply for membership in the DAR with the process taking about a year. Chapter members voted in support of her submission; her membership was approved in 2000.

From 2000 to 2001 she served as committee chairwoman of women's issues; by 2002 she became regent and continued in that role until 2004. Her paper provided legitimate documentation of the fact that she was a descendant of Constantine O'Neill, who fought in Pennsylvania during the American Revolution.

The John Guild Chapter of the DAR is part of a national lineage society that is a non profit charitable organization dedicated to patriotism, historic preservation and education.

Digitizing records to make historic information more accessible was a major accomplishment for the national society. "When the information is buried and non-accessible it's good to no one," said Lake. The organization runs more efficiently with recently acquired tools like e-membership and a Web site.

Lake's community involvement includes volunteering with Meals on Wheels, Cape County Archive Center and Cape County Genealogical Society.

The newest accomplishment of the chapter includes the formation of a Children of the American Revolution Society for ages up to 22, which will be completely run by the children, fostering leadership skills.