Today's DAR
For the past 59 years, the National Outstanding Junior Member Contest (or OJ Contest for short) has shown a sparkling and deserved spotlight on the fabulous work done by the Junior Members in NSDAR. Recognition on the chapter, state, and/or national level is an honor not to be taken lightly. These women are some of the most radiant and impressive fireworks in the DAR’s Star-Spangled showcase, and they do not disappoint!
DAR Juniors Sparkle in the Outstanding Junior Contest
The OJ Contest honors and recognizes the young women who have not only promoted the three missions of the National Society through their work in the organization, but are highly-involved leaders in their communities – taking their love of service to local arenas such as schools, hospitals, churches, museums and more. The contest was created to encourage all Junior Members to be more than nominal members, but rather to be deeply invested in local, state and national DAR opportunities. This administration’s Junior Membership Committee has several chapter winners, state winners, national finalists and a national runner up among its ranks.
Right: 2022 Oustanding Junior Allie Dunklin
With every new administration and as new programs are added to NSDAR annually, small tweaks have been made to the contest. For the 2023 contest, members will see we have added points for the Members, Committee Leaders, and New Horizon courses as well as the GEP courses. There are also a few adjustments, in areas where the committee felt there was a higher level of work required. This contest, led by the National Vice Chair, Katie Marcum, is focused on keeping the contest fair for all Junior Members regardless of what age they began their DAR journey!
The 2023 Contest Worksheet is available on the Junior Membership Committee website and information on the online portal will be released to State Junior Chairs in August. Good luck to all our wonderful Juniors and remember “Junior Hearts Sparkle in Service!”
