The Tampa Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) will honor Joan Flath Schabacker for her service, trustworthiness, leadership and patriotism to her adopted country, and will present to her the DAR Americanism Medal at their Holiday Tea. The event will take place December 9th, at the Savannah Tea Room, 2305 W. Linebaught Ave., in Tampa, at 2 p.m.
Born in Canada in 1920, Ms. Schabacker immigrated to the United States as a young girl and earned her citizenship in 1953. With degrees in English, her love of children and her adopted country has been evident throughout her life. A co-worker commented that he "observed first-hand Joan's exceptional devotion to her country and its highest values, as well as her unswerving resolve to communicate this knowledge and love of America to her many students."
She founded the Tampa Reading Clinic and the Tampa Day School in 1969, with the mission to reach students with learning disabilities, particularly those with dyslexia. She founded the Metropolitan Ministries Academy and the Lamplighters Auxiliary of the Metropolitan Ministries.
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution proudly salutes Joan Flath Schabacker and is privileged to honor her with its highest award, the Americanism Medal. As a naturalized American, she impacted generations of students and others in the community through her career as an educator and community volunteer.