Today's DAR
The “Gem of Gunter Mountain” shone brightly as Kate Duncan Smith DAR School celebrated its 101st Dedication Day on October 3rd. Established by the Alabama Society DAR in 1924, KDS has lit the path of success for generations of children. To kick off the 2025 Dedication Day events, the Alabama Society hosted a sumptuous Welcome Reception for Daughters who gathered from across the nation to share in the celebration.
Celebrating the 101st Dedication Day at Kate Duncan Smith DAR School
On Thursday, a police motorcade escorted attendees to the campus where everyone was greeted with smiles, waves and cheers from KDS students. It was so uplifting to meet and chat with the students, especially the little ones who were bursting with excitement. Daughters were given student artwork and flowers; they were also treated to a lively choral performance from the Junior American Citizen club. Following the performance, many Daughters toured the campus while this Chair read Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s “Paul Revere’s Ride” to a class of first graders. By the end of the poem, Ms. Sutphin’s students had learned several new words – belfry and steed to name a few.
Later, a ceremony was held outside the beautiful Lane Chapel and recognized the gift of a KDS graduate whose generosity funded not only renovations to the Chapel but also the installation of a beautiful garden and gazebo just outside the Chapel.
Following the Board of Trustees meeting, Dawn Brady, State Regent of Michigan, welcomed everyone to the dedication of the newly renovated Michigan Center. The Michigan Daughters shared a taste of Michigan favorites by offering soft drinks, snacks, and delicious Sanders chocolates in the shape of small hearts.
That evening, over 100 Daughters dined at “Top o’ the River” in nearby Guntersville. Afterwards, guests enjoyed yet another lovely reception hosted by the Alabama Daughters, this time with dessert to end the evening on a high note.
Friday morning, everyone gathered for the Dedication Day ceremony, including President General Ginnie Storage and her Executive Officers. The ceremony recognized gifts from the National Society, numerous State Societies, the N.S.C.A.R. and individual Daughters. At the end of the program, this Chair was humbled to accept donations on behalf of the National Society totaling over one million dollars.
This Chair is extremely thankful to KDS Board of Trustees Chair Melvina Phillips, Alabama Society State Regent Malinda Williams, and all of the Honorary State Regents of Alabama who made this Chair feel so welcome during her visit. It did not escape this Chair’s notice that so many vice presidents general, state regents, national chairs, and Daughters from throughout the country were in attendance.
As every Daughter knows, one of the three parts of the DAR mission is to improve the lives of children through education. Reflecting on the recent Dedication Day events, it’s easy to see that there’s no better example of the DAR’s legacy than the success of the Kate Duncan Smith DAR School.
