DAR PRESENTERS — Steubenville City Schools educators Natalie Campana, left, and Shana Wydra spoke to members of the Fort Steuben Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution on Feb. 8. Campana, an aviation instructor and department head of the Career Technical Education Department, is a certified flight instructor. She, along with Wydra, director of STEM and career technical education, presented a booklet made by STEM students regarding two Steubenville natives who were Tuskegee Airmen. -- Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — The Fort Steuben Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution met at Historic Fort Steuben Feb. 8.

Secretary Vickie Joseph read the president general’s message, and the call to order was given by Regent Mary Ann Jesse.

The invocation and blessing were said by Chaplain Roberta Fedoush, the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Jesse and the American’s Creed was led by Sue Davidson.

Fedoush led members in the singing of the national anthem prior to early announcements.

Following the afternoon’s luncheon, Jesse introduced Steubenville City Schools’ STEM director Shana Wydra, and Natalie Campana, aviation instructor and department head of career and technical education.

The women spoke about brothers Jerome and John Ellis Edwards, Steubenville natives who were members of the Tuskegee Airmen.

The presentation was given in honor of Black History Month, according to officials.

The educators told DAR members how the Edwards brothers overcame adversity and prejudice, and how they went on to become members of an elite group.

Wydra’s and Campana’s students compiled a booklet entitled, “Freedom Fighters: The Story of Jerome and John Ellis Edwards, Steubenville’s Tuskegee Airmen.”

Each member in attendance was given a copy of the booklet.

Students created a thank-you page in the booklet to express their appreciation to the brothers’ niece, Deborah Keith, who brought their story back to Steubenville.

Appreciation was given to area schools and libraries for their support in the project as well.

The third page is a dedication that reads: “This book is dedicated to Jerome and John Ellis Edwards, our own Tuskegee Airmen. We celebrate you as Steubenville’s native sons. May your selflessness and bravery inspire future generations to fly toward their dreams.”

A photo of the Edwards as children is displayed, along with a map depicting the location of where they lived.

There is a brief overview of the city of Steubenville during the 1920s, as well as a glimpse into their life while growing up.

The book contains the requirements needed to be in the civilian pilot training program at West Virginia State College, and details of their time in college are mentioned.

A photo showing the brothers in their flying attire as they graduated Tuskegee Army Air Field in Alabama on Nov. 11, 1942, was added to the booklet.

There are pages which talk about the death of Jerome, who died when an engine failed during a test flight.

And a final page which shows a picture of the smiling young brothers and the wording: “Jerome and John “Ellis” Edwards from Steubenville, Ohio, started from humble beginnings. But through hard work and determination, both brothers went to college and joined the elite Tuskegee Airmen, the first African-American aviators known as the Red Tails. Jerome and Ellis experienced adversity, but their heroism and skills made them true American Heroes.”

Following the presentation, Joseph read the minutes from the chapter’s last meeting.

Treasurer Patti D’Aurora provided the treasurer’s report.

Under committee reports, JAC Chairman Nancy Valles reported there were 282 students who had their projects judged by herself, Joseph, Tammy Kotyk and Susan Brown.

Valles noted members are awaiting results for the state-level contest.

The nominating committee, consisting of Fedoush, Joseph, Jeanne Vega, Kotyk and Valles, met prior to the meeting to discuss the issue of officers.

The women addressed members during the meeting about the need to notify their respective committees if they are willing to serve as an officer or committee chairman.

Nominating committee members will be contacting everyone by phone to encourage participation.

National Defense Chairman Karen Blanc spoke to attendees about the Golden 13, as part of Black History Month.

Blanc informed everyone of how the Golden 13 were Black sailors who, during World War II, were able to pass their training courses after being given only half as much time as other sailors to prepare.

Women’s issues Chairman Janet Rymer spoke on American Heart Month and encouraged members to wear red.

Members were reminded to record their Service to America hours, as the chapter was “only 75 hours short” of its 2024 goal. The goal for 2025 is 1,690 chapter service hours.

D’Aurora submitted credentialing information for those going to the OSDAR state conference in March.

Jesse encouraged members to consider going to the state conference, as the NSDAR president general will be in attendance.

Under the sunshine report, condolences were said for Rymer on the death of her husband, Dan. Prayers were said for Donna Dennis, Cheryl Hendricks and Rymer’s sister, Gloria McDonald.

Members were asked to send cards or call those on the sunshine report.

The chapter’s next meeting will be held March 8 at Giovanni’s restaurant in Weirton.