Issaquah High School student Zach Stone has been awarded the National Defense Committee ROTC Medal by the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).

The ROTC medal is awarded to one student, just once a year, to a young man or woman who has demonstrated a commitment to serving their community, and an understanding of patriotism and American heritage.

DAR was founded in 1890, and is a volunteer women’s service organization dedicated to preserving American history.

Its more than 165,000 members can all prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution.

Each year, the Cascade chapter, based in Bellevue, awards $1,000 scholarships to an outstanding ROTC student, and two seniors from Eastside high schools.

“This year we had 14 applications,” said DAR member Mora Gilley, of Issaquah. “We have had a hard time making the decisions as to who should get the scholarships. They are all so outstanding, and they are very involved in the extra curricular activities.”

Joining Stone as an honoree of the DAR was Juanita High School senior Jake McCornack, and Redmond High School senior Devin McMahon, who also received $1,000 scholarships.

As part of their scholarship application, the students had to write an essay about their understanding of American history and their role in it as young citizens.

“It was wonderful to be one of the judges for our chapter,” Gilley said. “Reading these essays has made me realize that our grandchildren are not the only great young people in the area, that yours are also wonderful.”

For more information about the Cascade Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, visit their Web site at www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~waccdar.