Sasha St. John
Appleton, Wisconsin: The Appleton Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) nominated Dr. Karl McCarty from Oakfield High School to be considered for the Wisconsin Society’s Outstanding Teacher of American History Contest. After candidates were reviewed by several non-DAR judges from around the state, Dr. McCarty was selected to represent Wisconsin history educators at the national level.
Dr. McCarty was brought to the Appleton chapter’s attention by a chapter member who met Karl initially as a student at the high school where she taught. Chapter Regent Sasha St. John was immediately impressed by his enthusiasm for teaching history by taking his students out of the classroom to visit Native American cultural sites, political debates, and various Washington D.C. sites of significance. He strives to demonstrate history as vibrant and personal by introducing students to veterans who served in various wars, Native American tribal leaders, and elected government officials.
In addition to encouraging his high school students to research and share some of their family histories in the school paper, Dr. McCarty also enjoys writing regularly. He has published several books on a variety of topics including foreign policy in Iraq, propaganda and politics in Wisconsin, and the ancestry of South Eden settlers in Fond du Lac County. Dr. McCarty is currently working on a compilation of Native American stories that will include how trees were altered and used as trail markers.
DAR honors the past by investing in the future – through education, community service, and historic preservation. Recognizing educators who inspire students to learn more about the history of their community and their own families is part of this mission. If you know an American History teacher who you’d like to recommend for future consideration, please email their information to: Regent@AppletonDAR.org.
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is a women’s service organization whose members can trace their lineage to an individual who contributed to securing American independence during the Revolutionary War. Today’s DAR is dynamic and diverse, with over 185,000 members in 3,000 chapters in the United States and abroad. DAR members annually provide millions of hours of volunteer service to their local communities across the country and world. DAR chapters participate in projects to promote historic preservation, education, and patriotism. Over one million members have joined the organization since its founding in 1890.
If you are interested in learning more about DAR membership, visit www.AppletonDAR.org and fill out the “contact us” form or send an email to Registrar@AppletonDAR.org.
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to preserve the memory and spirit of those who contributed to securing American independence. For more than 130 years, the DAR has strived to bring awareness to the honorable sacrifices and enduring legacy of all patriots who fought for America’s freedom. Through the DAR Genealogical Research System (www.dar.org/GRS), the public can access a free database of information amassed by the DAR about these patriots. DAR is a nonprofit, nonpolitical women’s service organization with more than 185,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide. Any woman 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution is eligible for membership. DAR members passionately carry out the timeless mission of promoting historic preservation, education and patriotism. To learn more about the work of today’s DAR, visit www.dar.org.
If you would like more information about this topic, email Regent@AppletonDAR.org.
About the Author
