A DAR representative congratulates Abby Lilly, shown here with parents Robyn and Steve

Highlander fifth-grader Abby Lilly is headed to Houston in March to be recognized as winner of the Daughter of the American Revolution (DAR) essay contest. Abby won at the state level, and her composition, a historical piece on the women’s suffrage movement, will now progress to nationals to compete with winners from other states.

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Abby recently visited the Greater Dallas Chapter of the DAR, where she received their local award and was feted by members of their organization. She also met 96-year-old Sgt. Major Robert Blatnik, a D-Day veteran whose story of returning to Normandy was captured by CBS 11’s Doug Dunbar in the 2013 report viewable below.

The winner of the national award will be announced in June and will receive a certificate, gold pin and monetary award.

Sgt. Major Robert Blatnik with Abby Lilly

Abby Lilly and Highlander owner Jill Reed

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  • Carol Toler

    Blogger CAROL TOLER and her husband, Toby, are the parents of four LHHS graduates. She has an MBA from SMU and is the proud recipient of the Exchange Club of LH's Unsung Hero Award and Councilman McGough's Blake Anderson Public Service Award. She received LHHS PTA's Extended Service Award, FMJH PTA's Charger Award and a Life Membership from the LHFC PTA. She has moderated candidate debates for Dallas Mayor, Dallas City Council and RISD Trustee races and taught seminars on garnering publicity for nonprofits. She completed training with Dallas Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation and Inside RISD, and she's a sustaining member of LH Women's League. She has served on the boards of After8 to Educate, Dallas Free Press, Healing Hands Ministries and Camp Sweeney and chaired fundraisers for multiple Dallas nonprofits. Email ctoler@advocatemag.com.