The annual competition invites students to reflect on themes related to patriotism, citizenship, and military service. This year’s prompt – “What Does America the Beautiful Mean to Me?” – challenged students to consider the phrase through the lens of veterans and the military.

At Warren Area Elementary School, the top three third-grade finishers were Chloe Campbell, Ethan Bradley and Brooke Clark.

“America is very beautiful because everyone is different in their own way,” Chloe wrote in her essay, later saying, “I want to thank the veterans and soldiers for helping make our country beautiful and safe.”

Fourth-grade top finishers at Warren Area Elementary School were Elliette Fralick, Isabella Bennett and Damian Bailey.

Photo submitted to the Times Observer Pictured are Warren Area Elementary School students who placed in the top three of the American Legion Auxiliary’s annual essay contest. Third-graders are Chloe Campbell, Ethan Bradley and Brooke Clark while fourth-grade winners are Elliette Fralick, Isabella Bennett and Damian Bailey.

“One other thing I like about America is the People who fought for our country. The veterans who fought for America mean a lot to me,” Elliette wrote in her essay, titled “America the Beautiful means the beauty of all the land, the animals and vegetation in America.”

Beaty-Warren Middle School top finishers in the fifth and sixth grade division were Lorelai Himes, Reagan McClellan and Summer Crozier.

“America is beautiful for the freedom we get. By freedom I do not mean being able to leave the house when you want,” Lorelai wrote in her essay. “By freedom I mean being able to sit next to a different race on a bus, to be able to drive a car, or even own a house. The freedom we get is amazing. Freedom and people make America beautiful.”

Daniel Cull was the first place winner in the Beaty-Warren seventh and eighth grade division followed by Alainah Ginkel and Colton Hagg.

“I have overall mixed feelings over what America the Beautiful means to me. I feel both pride and ashamed over it, Cull wrote, writing later in his essay, “Even though there are many flaws I am still grateful that I am free and safe here in America.”

Photo submitted to the Times Observer Pictured are Beaty-Warren essay winners Lorelai Himes, Reagan McClellan, Summer Crozier, Daniel Cull, Alainah Ginkel and Colton Hagg.

After the winners were announced, Pam Colvin, American Legion Auxiliary Americanism Essay chairwoman, invited all of the essay contest winners to the American Legion Memorial Day Service at the Warren County Courthouse to read their essay during the ceremony. Students who participated include Himes, Fralick, Bennett, Bradley and Clark.

“As the American Legion Auxiliary Americanism Essay chairman, and also an elementary district employee,” Colvin said. I am so proud of these young ladies and gentlemen. I am overjoyed with the patriotism that is very evident at such a young age. I would like to extend a thank you to their families and teachers for encouraging them to participate in our yearly contest.”

“We are so proud of all the students for their hard work, creativity and patriotism and for the American Legion who support our military and veterans in our community,” said Rebecca Downey, Warren Area Elementary Center gifted/enrichment teacher.

“Every year, I continue to be inspired by our students with their depth and sincerity as they address the essay prompt relating to patriotism,” said Meggi Brown, Beaty-Warren gifted/enrichment teacher. Their reflections reveal not only a clear understanding of the topic, but a genuine connection to what it means to be an American citizen.”

Youngsville American Legion Auxiliary Post 658 also recently celebrated the winners of its annual Americanism Essay Contest with a gathering where students presented their essays. Christian Kuhn won the third and fourth grade division. While Aubrey Leofsky won the fifth and sixth grade division, followed by Jayce Vincent, Anny Baker and Elise Baker. Ava Young won the seventh and eighth grade division with Taylor Tuttle finishing first in 11th and 12th grades. ​The first-place essays from each age group have advanced to the state-level competition, and the community extends its best wishes to these students as they represent Youngsville at the next stage.​

Photo submitted to the Times Observer Brooke Clark, a third-grader at Warren Area Elementary Center, is pictured reading her essay during the Memorial Day ceremony recently.

3rd and 4th Grades:

≤1st Place: Christian Kuhn​

5th and 6th Grades:

≤1st Place: Aubrey Leofsky​

≤2nd Place: Jayce Vincent (not present)​

≤3rd Place (tie): Anna Baker and Elise Baker (both not present)​

7th and 8th Grades:

≤1st Place: Ava Young​, Aubrey Leofsky​ Christian Kuhn

11th and 12th Grades:

≤1st Place: Taylor Tuttle (not present)​