VFW Post 9599 of Jefferson recently announced winners in a pair of student essay contests.
Greene County High School senior Jamie Theulen won the Voice of Democracy contest. Students in government classes submitted recordings three to five minutes long of original essays on the topic “Why Veterans Are Important for Our Nation’s History and Future.”
Theulen received a certificate and $100 cash. His essay was entered in the district competition which will be judged in January.
Seventh graders participated in the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen essay contest. Students wrote an essay of between 300 and 400 words on the topic “Why I Appreciate America’s Veterans.” There were more than 70 entries, with Sophia Ausberger’s essay placing first and advancing to district competition. She received $100 cash.
In second place and receiving $50 cash was Natalie Payan. Aubrey Heupel placed third and received $25, and Xavier Hayes was given honorable mention and $20 cash. All winners received certificates.
American Legion Post 11 of Jefferson held an essay contest for fifth graders. Students were to write essays of no more than 300 words on the topic “What the Flag Means to Me.” Legion member Barb Labate (pictured, right) visited classrooms and showed a Legion DVD, “For Which It Stands,” which provided information about the meaning, care and display of the flag before the students wrote their essays.
Blake Halligan (next to Labate) placed first. He received $100 and his essay will be sent on to district competition. He will be invited to read his essay at the Memorial Day program in Jefferson next May. Eliott Schilling (continuing from right) placed second and received $75, and Carissa Keenan placed third and received $50. Also at the presentation was American Legion member Jim Andrew (left).
At the award presentation Labate gave Greene County Intermediate principal Maranda Van Cleave a copy of the DVD for the school.
