They might attend different high schools, come from diverse family backgrounds, and seek varied future goals, but seniors Ashli Middleton, Monica Gross and Ole Hertzog have something in common 77 they are good citizens.

The Santa Maria teenagers were honored with the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen awards at a special tea Jan. 8 at the Foxenwood Tennis and Swim Club.

Founded in 1890, The Daughters of the American Revolution members strive to promote patriotism and preserve American history within their communities.

Each year, the Capt. Henry Sweetser Chapter of DAR, which includes members from Santa Maria and South San Luis Obispo County, recognizes one outstanding senior from each Santa Maria high school based on individual academic achievements, service to school and community, and patriotism.

Counselors at the schools are given the task of selecting the seniors they feel best match the club/s criteria.

This year/s recipients are no exceptions.

"These are kids that are just awesome," said DAR member Lorna Schock. "A good citizen is a gift."

She explained that although fewer attendees turned out to this year/s tea than in years past 77 most likely due to the exceptionally stormy weather that day 77 the occasion was just as celebratory.

All three recipients boast impressive credentials.

Hertzog, from Valley Christian Academy, has served as student body vice president, and has participated in journalism for two years.

He also won first place in science, history and political science fairs and academic testing competitions. He also was inducted into American Association of Christian Schools/ Honor Society in history, theology, philosophy, writing and computers.

Despite these roles and acknowledgments, Hertzog said he was "a little surprised" when he found out he was Valley Christian/s recipient.

"Being from a small school, it/s hard to stand out," he said.

After high school, Hertzog plans to attend Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles and major in biology and a foreign language. He also plans to carry on a family tradition and become a doctor.

As the recipient from Righetti High School, Gross juggles several educational, extra-curricular, and community-service activities including roles as ASB president, chief justice, Class of 2005 treasurer, editor in chief and ads coordinator of the school yearbook, playing and coaching soccer, working at the front desk at the Abel Maldonado Youth Center, volunteer work with the Salvation Army and more.

"I was happy and honored," if a little caught off guard, Gross said of when she found out she had been selected.

Gross/ plans for the future include attending Seattle University and majoring in biology and political science. After that, she plans to go on to medical school or law school.

"I was really honored," said Middleton, Santa Maria High School/s honoree, admittedly she was a bit shocked to find out she had been selected. "I know a lot of people (students) just like me."

Like the other recipients, Middleton also carries a full load.

Not only is she the Santa Maria FFA chapter vice president and a member of Key Club, but she also serves on the Junior Livestock Association Board and is a member of California Scholarship Foundation and Saints Varsity Club.

She plans to attend Cal Poly or University of California at Davis and major in animal science, and then continue her education to become a livestock veterinarian. Another desire is to return to the area following college and volunteer at the Boys and Girls Club and promote agriculture in elementary schools.

As part of being recipients, the seniors penned an essay. This year/s topic was the "Our American heritage and our responsibility to preserve it."

Of the three, Middleton/s essay was chosen to move on to the district DAR competition, which covers Ventura to Paso Robles.

Middleton/s main theme in her essay was pride. She said she wrote about the pride the founding fathers had in the nation, and that people ought to, and do, have pride in their country because they are its governors. To elucidate that point, she quoted from Lincoln/s Gettysburg Address, "of the people, by the people, for the people."

Gross said she wrote about how Americans have an obligation to support and help the country, even during times of war, and even if they don/t agree with that war.

"It/s the right thing to do," she said.

Pride, she said, is integral in the progression of America.

As the essay winner, Middleton received ,225. Hertzog and Gross each received ,125.

These funds were raised through a variety of club efforts throughout the year including raffles, a silent auction and others.

The importance of the Good Citizen Award was not lost on its 2005 recipients.

"It lets them (students) know they/re doing a good job," Middleton said.

Although she said she joins groups and participates in activities because she wants to, and not because adults tell her to, Middleton added that it/s nice to know the adults are watching, or reading, as in the case of her essay.

"(It/s nice that) someone else understands what you/re saying, and they appreciate it," she said.

For Gross, it emphasizes the importance of a teen/s service, dependability, leadership and patriotism.

Hertzog said the award is a reminder to younger generations that they have a "duty" to uphold the heritage of America.

Hertzog added he/s glad organizations like DAR still exist.

"They/re doing good work," he said.

All three students commended the DAR members who put the tea together, particularly the efforts of DAR Good Citizen Coordinator Denise Paulus, who made food for the event.

"It was really well put together," Gross said.

St. Joseph High School did not participate this year.

Any woman 18 years of age or older who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution, is eligible for DAR membership. For more information, phone Regent Patti Reding at 489-6752.

* Staff Writer Britt Fairchild can be reached at 739-2220 or bfairchild@pulitzer.net.

Jan. 15, 2005