The Patriot's Pen

The Patriot’s Pen 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 Does Freedom Mean to Me?”

Three Seton Catholic eighth grade students were named top writers in the county for this year’s contest. Erica Barker received 1 ^st place honors, while Suzanne Becker and Grace Blakely finished in 2 ^nd and 3 ^rd place, respectively. The three girls were presented with plaques and cash prizes at last Friday’s morning prayer assembly. Their writings advance in the nation-wide competition.

Each year more than 125,000 students in grades 6-8 enter the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen youth essay contest. The first-place winner from each state competes for national awards totaling $50,000, with each first-place state winner receiving a minimum of $500 at the national level. The national first-place winner wins $5,000 and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., in March.

Good luck ladies!