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During the Maryland State Society Daughters of the American Revolution (MSSDAR) Annual Awards Breakfast on March 21, Poolesville High School teacher Terry Turner was honored as the 2026 Maryland DAR Outstanding Teacher of American History, while senior Joseph Andrew Parsley was named the recipient of the Linda C. Mistler C.A.R. Scholarship.Â
For those walking the halls of Poolesville High School, Turner’s recognition comes as no surprise. A teacher at the school for 20 years, Turner has built a reputation for turning history into a competitive, and highly popular, pursuit.
In 2017, Turner founded the school’s National History Bowl team. What started as a small club has exploded into the largest high school team in the nation, with roughly 100 students participating. His impact is visible in the data, too: his Advanced Placement students consistently score in the 97th percentile.
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Beyond the grade book, Turner has visited more than 1,800 battlefields across the globe and frequently volunteers with the National Park Service. As the Maryland state honoree, Turner received a $1,000 award and is now eligible for the national title, which will be announced in June. Turner received the honor from Maryland State Regent Liz Deering, with the award presented by Maryland State Historian Peggy Bowen.
While Turner inspires from the front of the classroom, Parsley has been busy making his own mark. Through the scholarship, Parsley was awarded the $1,000, an honor reserved for members of the Children of the American Revolution (C.A.R.) who demonstrate exceptional educational excellence. This one-time scholarship is granted annually to a graduating Maryland senior who plans to attend an accredited U.S. college or university to pursue an associate or bachelor’s degree.
On campus, Parsley serves as the captain of the esports team and is a member of the very History Bowl team Turner founded. He plays lead trumpet for the school band and performs with the Frederick Regional Youth Orchestra’s philharmonic and jazz ensembles.
Most notably, Parsley uses his musical talent to give back, frequently playing taps at veterans’ funerals and commemorative ceremonies. This fall, he will take his talents to Boston to attend Berklee College of Music.
These awards highlight the ongoing mission of the MSSDAR, which was chartered in 1892 to promote historic preservation, education and patriotism. In 2026 alone, the Maryland State Society awarded more than $24,000 in scholarships to students across the state.
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With 45 chapters and approximately 3,000 members in Maryland, and over 190,000 members worldwide, the Daughters of the American Revolution continues to be one of the world’s largest women’s service organizations, contributing over $247,000 annually in national scholarships to support the next generation of American leaders.
Photo Credit: Photos courtesy of MSSDAR photographer Matthew Ernest.
Read the original article at mcps
