After an intensive selection process, Lauren Buchanan and Talan Gurley were chosen to represent KDS during the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution’s 132nd Continental Congress in Washington, D.C., this June. All KDS juniors were invited to apply for this honor. Applicants’ names were passed on to a nominating committee, resulting in ten finalists who were interviewed.
Once the interviews concluded, and after much debate, a selection committee made up of members of the DAR, Administrative Staff, and High School faculty chose Lauren and Talan as the 2022 KDS representatives.
KDS junior Talan Gurley is the 17-year-old son of Becca Hyde. He came to KDS 7 years ago when he was in 5th grade. An excellent student, Talan’s favorite school subject is language, as he enjoys reading books, both old and new, and learning about the world around him. His plans after high school are to enroll at Jefferson State Community College to study mortuary science in preparation for a career as a funeral director.
Talan is very involved in activities both at school and in the community. He is a member of the Leo Club, Student Government Association, PatriotVision, yearbook staff, Patriot Historical Society, prom committee, drama, art, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. His sports activities include the Cross Country, Track, and Competition Cheer teams. He is the manager of the Varsity Basketball team and also enjoys being “PAT the Patriot”, the school mascot. Talan enjoys volunteering as stage crew and acting at the Whole Backstage Theater. He has a part time job with a pet grooming business.
When asked to share a few memorable experiences at KDS, Talan included being one of the first members of the KDS DAR Robotics Program, qualifying for the state competition in Cross Country and Cheer, and serving as a photographer at many school events.
KDS junior Lauren Buchanan is the 17-year-old daughter of Keith and Kristen Buchanan. She has been a student at KDS since kindergarten. An excellent student, Lauren’s favorite school subject is math because she enjoys problem-solving and the satisfaction of completing an equation to find the correct solution. Her plans after graduation include attending Auburn University where she will pursue a degree in Architectural Engineering.
Very active in extracurricular and community activities, Lauren is a member of both the Varsity Basketball and Track teams; Student Government Association; Art Club; Leo Club and Future Business Leaders of America. Her hobbies include playing the ukulele, travel, and spending time with family and friends.
When asked to share a few memories of her time at KDS, Lauren immediately thought of elementary school Grandparents’ Day when her grandparents would visit the school to have lunch in the lunchroom with her and go with her to the book fair to allow her to pick out a book for herself. Some of her more recent memories include pep rallies during football season, the lip sync battle during March Madness, summer basketball camps, and going to Gulf Shores for state track meets.
