Patriot’s Pen Essay Winners

This year all 8th grade students at Central Middle School wrote a Patriot’s Pen essay; although, approximately ten students entered the VFW sponsored contest. The contest begins at the local level in which the first place essay is chosen to move on to the regional level. According to the rules, "The essay contest encourages young minds to examine America’s history, along with their own experiences in modern American society, by drafting a 300- to 400-word essay, expressing their views based on a patriotic theme chosen by the VFW Commander-in-Chief."

This year's theme was: What is Patriotism to Me?

Emily Romero's essay was chosen for first place.

Click here to hear her essay: Emily's Essay

Ethan Hutchins's essay was chosen for second place.

Jenna Huotari’s essay was chosen for third place.

The three place winners received a monetary award along with their certificate of accomplishment.

In past years, the first place essay would be read by its author at Central's Veteran's Day program. However since this could not take place this year, the video essay can be viewed by clicking the link below.