PARK HILLS — Students at Central Middle School were treated to a pizza party last week courtesy of the Leadington VFW Post 5741. The students participated in the Voice of Democracy Patriot’s Pen essay contest.

One-hundred and eighty-three students wrote essays for the contest with the top four receiving savings bonds. Katelyn West’s essay won top honors at Central Middle School. West received a $100 savings bond for her efforts. Jordyn Weiss received second place and won a $75 savings bond. Rachel Mattingly’s essay won third place and she received a $50 savings bond. Kyle Maberry rounded off the top four and he received a $25 savings bond.

All the students were treated to a pizza party though.

“We wanted to reward all of the students’ efforts,” said Joe Briley, commander of the VFW Post 5741. “We ordered 45 pizzas and each participant is getting pizza and soda for taking the time to write an essay. We appreciate all of their efforts.”

The essay writing contest was coordinated by middle school teachers Deb Whitener and Kim Gremminger.

Patriot's Pen, a youth-essay writing contest endorsed by the National Association of Secondary School Principals' contest criteria, is a nationwide competition for students in grades 6, 7 and 8. Students have an opportunity to write essays expressing their views on democracy. Each year has a new theme. This year’s theme was, “What Citizenship Means to Me.”

Contestants write a 300-400 word essay based on that year’s patriotic theme. The top national winners each receive a savings bond anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000. Annually, more than 115,000 students participate in the contest according to the National VFW.

Chris Cline is a reporter for the Daily Journal. Contact him at 573-431-2010, ext. 114 or at ccline@dailyjournalonline.com.

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