The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1002 and its Auxiliary recognized middle-school students for their participation in the Patriot’s Pen essay contest and an Oasis Academy student for his local second-place finish in the Voice of Democracy speech contest.
The Patriot’s Pen essay competition is open to all students in grades 6-8, and this year’s topic asks students to write on “Why I Honor the American Flag.” The Voice of Democracy theme asks high school students to reflect on “Why My Vote Matters.”
Isabelle Nuckolls, a student at Logos Academy, won the local Patriot’s Pen essay contest and placed third in District 4. In her essay, Nuckolls said honoring the flag is a testament to the dreams the nation’s founding fathers had more than 240 years ago.
“It speaks louder than any man or woman can because of its history, its symbolism and its relevance today. The flag should be honored because of all who stood behind it,” Nuckolls wrote.
The Fallon student also said the flag still teaches stories but has lost its awe because Americans began to see the flag as a symbol of the past rather than a symbol of America.
“As young students, we have limited contribution to the flag, but we can respect it and learn from its history so that we may not be ignorant toward it. We must respect the men and women who still fight under the American flag today,” she added.
Additionally, Nuckolls said the flag is a jewel in our hearts.
“It will always stand tall, reaching for the sky representing an America which is constantly rising up to new standards. The American flag is a defining symbol of America because of its background, what it means, and what it has become.”
Representatives from VFW Post 1002 presented certificates and gift certificates to each student, which various Churchill County businesses donated. Nuckolls classmate at Logos Academy, Elijah Matter, also received recognition for entering the Patriot’s Pen essay contest.
The VFW recognized two Churchill County Middle School students, Kaliegh Moss and Trista Dornan. Those honored at Oasis included Braden Sorensen, Megan Johnson, Hailey Arends, Audrey Bell, Sierra Williams and Alexis Haggard.
David Palanivela was Post 1002’s runner-up in the Voice of Democracy essay-speech contest.