Schools

Middle School Essayists Display Their Patriotism

The students were challenged with answering the question, "Are you proud of your country?"

students recently competed in the local level of the VFW Patriot Pen essay contest through the Cliffwood Guadalcanal VFW Post 4745 in Aberdeen Township.

The students were challenged with answering the question, "Are you proud of your country?" using their own experiences.

According to the National VFW website, the Patriot's Pen Program is open to students in grades 6-8 who attend school or are home schooled in America or American territories. Students may have a guide through their essay writing, such as a teacher or guidance counselor.

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The essay must be at least 300 words but no more than 400 words and must focus on the year's theme.

Judging criteria, the website explains, is based on three categories - knowledge of the theme, theme development and clarity of ideas.

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Post 4745 held an award ceremony Wednesday night to honor a group of sixth eighth graders who placed in the competition.

Ayanna Hunley, Jordan Grillo and Christine Kenny all received honorable mentions for their essays and were rewarded with a $25 Barnes and Noble gift card. 

Brian Slobotsky placed third and won a $50 Barnes and Noble gift card; Jaida Allison placed second and won a $75 Barnes and Noble gift card; and Samantha Kelly placed first and won a $100 Barnes and Noble gift card.

Kelly will move forward with her essay to a district competition with other first place essayists from about 15 area VFW's. The winner of the district level moves on to states, and then the first place winners of the state competition win an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. to experience the nation's capital, according to Post 4745 Junior Vice Commander and Service Officer Ken Aitken.

The national winner, which is announced in mid-February, wins a savings bond.


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