A local civic organization honored Erin Catherine Moore, national president of the Children of the American Revolution, with an afternoon tea and reception Saturday at the Honey Bowen building.

Moore, who is also a student at Georgia Southern University, spoke briefly about the history of the CAR and of her project, which is digitizing the documents of former President James Monroe so they will be accessible to all online.

Martha Wells, vice chairperson of the district chapter of the National Society DAR, said members became excited to learn that Moore was a Georgia Southern student.

"We really wanted to meet her," she said as she introduced Moore to the group members. "We're really happy she could be here."

Moore attended the reception along with friends and family members.

"I am so thrilled to be here," she said.

Moore spoke about how the CAR was formed by the DAR.

"It was the first patriotic youth organization in nation," she said.

She was enthusiastic in describing her project, working with the College of William and Mary to transcribe all of Monroe's presidential documents into digital form so that they can be accessed online.

"We hope to preserve the legacy, knowledge and appreciation of James Monroe," she said.

A junior at Georgia Southern, Moore is studying finance and management. She is a member of the GS Honors Program and the Episcopal Campus Ministry and serves as the chapter president for her sorority, Kappa Kappa Gamma. In addition to being the national president of the CAR, Moore is also involved with the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls and the DAR.

Wells presented Moore with two $50 donations in her name - one for the Georgia chapter of the CAR and another for the national chapter.