Newly graduated Archbishop Hannon High School alumna Addison Lee has been recognized by many organizations for her leadership and academic abilities. Now she can add another accolade to the list — the Daughters of the American Revolution’s National Good Citizens Award, the first winner from Louisiana in the award's 91-year history.

“We are very excited that Addison was selected. One of the things that really stood out was her long-standing volunteer work at the World War II Museum,” said Leanne Trueheart, chair of the Good Citizens Committee within the DAR’s Wharton Chapter of Covington. “It’s so rare to find someone who gives up their time to volunteer like she does.”

The scholarship contest rewards the qualities of patriotism, leadership, service and dependability, according to Trueheart.

Lee’s qualifications to enter the contest also recognized her leadership skills as the secretary of state for Louisiana’s Girls State program, captain of her track and cross-country teams and secretary of her senior class, among other roles.

Each school may select one student to participate. Under the watchful eyes of the school’s guidance counselor, the chosen student is given a sealed envelope holding that year’s essay topic and then given two hours to complete their entry.

“The process is a little intense because you can’t really prepare. I was happy when the topic was how had service impacted my life. I wrote about what I do at the World War II Museum,” said Lee.

For the past three years, Lee has volunteered at the New Orleans landmark every Sunday. She has had many responsibilities there, including leading tours, helping veterans to do individual research, and interacting with school student groups. Lee also founded the World War II Competition Quiz Bowl Team at the museum.

“I’ve enjoyed learning from the veterans I’ve met at the museum and helping them find information they might not have known before,” said Lee.

To reach the national competition, Lee’s essay had to win at the local chapter, district, state and multistate divisional levels. She was one of eight contestants to compete for the national title.

The award and scholarship will be presented at the organization’s National Continental Congress in Washington D.C. in June. Unfortunately, Lee will have to miss the ceremony since it will be her first day as a cadet at the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis. Plans are in the works for her to accept the honor via a video message.

“I’ve always wanted to serve my country. Being around veterans every Sunday added to my decision to go into the military,” said Lee.

Although she has family members who served in the U.S. Air Force and her goal is to be a fighter pilot, Lee chose the Naval Academy after spending a week at the school’s Summer Seminar last year.

“It was probably the toughest week of my life but also incredible. We got the whole plebe experience from the midshipmen. It was definitely a five-star experience,” she said, obviously excited about the new path she’ll take next month. While at the summer program, Lee received the Iron Woman Award as the Best Female in the Candidate Fitness Assessment. Lee credits her success last summer to her time on her high school track and cross-country teams, as well as a lot of push-up and pull-up work.

Along with her parents Matthew and Natalia Lee, and DAR member Trueheart, Lee had many people in her corner when it came to recommendation letters to go with her essay. Her English teacher, Rebecca Sigler, was undeniably one of them. She wrote, “Nothing prevents Addison from achieving that which she sets her mind to — not for the sake of achievement or praise, but to know she had done her duty and done it well.”

Lee is ready for her next challenge.

“I know I will have to work hard, and it will be worth it. I’m excited about the opportunity to serve with the best of the best,” said Lee.