Pioneer High School senior Wyatt Ellis Caplinger has been selected as the recipient of a 2024-2025 DAR Good Citizen Award from the Sarah Caswell Angell Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR).
Wyatt, son of Gypsy Caplinger and Daniel Marek, was chosen by Pioneer High School faculty for exemplifying the qualities of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism in his home, school, and community.
“Being a good citizen right now is being involved,” Wyatt says. “No matter your alignment, do something in your community.”
As part of this recognition, Wyatt had the opportunity to compete for state and national Good Citizen Awards by writing a timed essay on how service fosters community and strengthens American identity.
An exceptional student who maintains an impressive academic record, Wyatt balances his studies with numerous extracurricular activities. His passion for the performing arts is evident in his role as an Ensemble Manager for the Choir Council, where he helps manage the choir and plan activities. He is also a dedicated singer in Pioneers, an extracurricular choir performing popular songs arranged and performed by its members, which requires multiple weekly rehearsals.
Wyatt’s commitment to supporting his peers is demonstrated through his work managing the Reset Room, where he serves as a peer mediator for students facing emotional challenges. Many students have reported positive outcomes after following his guidance.
Beyond school, Wyatt works at Backyard Brains, a local business creating products that help children learn about neuroscience, where he serves as a documentation writer and lab technician. His earnings contribute to his family’s rent, and as an older brother, he watches over and cares for his siblings, teaching them conflict resolution skills.
“It’s everything,” he says of the importance of good citizenship. “Being a big brother is my day-to-day life, and I like to think that I get to embody this through the award and what I’ve done, which is really fulfilling.”
Wyatt was nominated for this award by his teacher, Lisabeth Mikolajczyk-Harper.
Other Sarah Caswell Angell Chapter’s Good Citizen Awards winners include: Daphne Grant, Dexter High School; Laura Blair, Manchester High School; Grace Oberski, Saline High School; and Lydia Stefanovski, Whitmore Lake High School.
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