LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Acalanes DAR awards Good Citizen Scholarships to three local students


Christine Mlynek, Sofia Raja, Adriana Colon Photo provided

The Acalanes chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution honored three high school students chosen by their schools as the 2021-22 Good Citizen winners. A High Tea and Award Ceremony was held on Saturday, Feb. 5, where the three students were awarded a scholarship, a U.S. flag that had been flown over the U.S. Capitol in their honor, and a certificate of recognition. The tea was hosted by chapter members who set the tables with their personal china and served delicious homemade tea sandwiches, cookies, fruit, and other sweets.

Christine A. Mlynek is Acalanes High School's winner. Mlynek also won the optional essay portion of the Good Citizen Scholarship program, and she read her essay aloud at the award ceremony. Mlynek enjoys tutoring children of immigrants in English as a second language, she is president of the Acalanes Environmental Club, and she co-founded the all-girl BSA Troop #402. After graduation, Mlynek will attend either the Coast Guard Academy or the Naval Academy.

Sofia C. Raja is Bentley School's winner. During the pandemic, Raja worked after-school hours at her family's restaurant, and she launched a student newspaper, The Bentley Times, to keep students connected and informed while they studied remotely. Raja is also a counselor at her church's summer camp, and after graduation she hopes to pursue a career in science and technology.

Adriana E. Colon is Campolindo High School's winner. She is active in the National Charity League, is the president of the Women's Awareness on Campus Club, and is a peer tutor for an AP U.S. history class. After graduation, Colon hopes to attend the University of San Diego or Barnard College, and then follow in the footsteps of Ruth Bader Ginsberg to obtain her JD and practice law.

The members of the Acalanes Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution are delighted to reward these high school students for their leadership and good citizen qualities and wish them well as they embark on the journey into new adventure and follow their dreams.