DAR Chapter donates books to Colorado County schools

Members of the John Everett Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) in Columbus recently donated “Texas Before the Lone Star” to elementary schools across Colorado and Austin counties. The book was created at the direction of Texas State Regent Susan Johnston as part of DAR’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary with the goal of placing a copy in every Texas public elementary school.

Because many students first encounter Texas history only in the years leading up to the Battle of the Alamo, this book introduces young readers to the diverse people who lived in Texas during the Spanish colonial era—Native Americans, European settlers, African Americans, and individuals of mixed ancestry. An important component of the project is the accompanying curriculum, which aligns with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) to support classroom instruction.

Donna Pustejovsky, Literacy Chairperson, eagerly accepted the challenge of distributing the books throughout Colorado and Austin counties. On April 23 and 24, Columbus Elementary School Librarian Lisa Janak received her copy from Chapter Regent Marti Herring and members Donna Pustejovsky and Judy Zachmeyer. Additional books were delivered to Stephanie Reed at Sealy Elementary, Elizabeth Demaree at Selman Elementary, Kristi Robbins at Sheridan Elementary and Laura Kachmar at Garwood Elementary.

On May 7, Chapter Historian Connie Dittrich and Donna Pustejovsky presented books to Amy Koehn at Weimar Elementary, Nancy Koehl at St. Michael’s Catholic School and Doris Bujnoch at St. Rose of Lima Catholic School. The final deliveries were made on May 11, when Sharon Geigley of Eagle Lake Intermediate, Amanda McAuley of Brazos Elementary and Brenda Blezinger of West End Elementary received their copies.

Through this project, the John Everett Chapter continues its commitment to promoting literacy, preserving history, and supporting educators across the region.