From left are Mrs. Sara Robinson, ELA 6 Educator, Bryce Wardrop, first-place winner, Zoey Tompsett, second-place winner, Doris Svetek, VFW Auxiliary, Alaina Ongley, third-place winner, and Mrs. Whittney Hooks, M/S ELA Educator.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars holds a nationwide essay competition that allows students to write about their views in response to an annual patriotic theme.

Last year, more than 60,000 students participated in the contest that is open to middle school aged students in grades six to eight, of public, private and parochial schools as well as homeschooled students.

Recently, the Tidioute Community Charter School entered the contest with this year’s theme “How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?” This is an event that encourages young minds to express their views on patriotism and citizenship, offering a chance for students to win up to $5,000 and a trip to Washington, D.C.

English Language Arts teachers Sara Robinson and Whittney Hooks assigned each of their students to participate. Only students with parental permission can submit their essays. From there, the Tidioute VFW Post with the Auxiliary spokeswoman, Doris Svetek, selects the top three, and each place earns a check as follows: $100, $75, and $50. From there, those students’ essays go on to a state and national level.

Robinson said, “As teachers at a community charter school, we are responsible for engaging our students in community projects and activities, such as this VFW-sponsored essay contest.”

Winners from the Tidioute Community Charter School shared some comments and are as follows:

— Bryce Wardrop, first place — “Three ways that I show patriotism are by saying the Pledge of Allegiance, learning about U.S. History, and celebrating national holidays.”

— Zoey Tompsett, second place — “Three ways I show patriotism are by showing respect for traditions, respecting the land, and respecting the people.”

— Alaina Ongley, third place — “One of the reasons why I celebrate national holidays is to honor significant events that have happened in the U.S. People should celebrate national holidays because they help provide a sense of national identity and unity.”

The three points that are judged are knowledge of the theme, theme development and clarity of ideas. This includes demonstration of extensive research and writing skills. Entries get sent to the VFW National Headquarters.

The contest consists of four levels. The first level is sponsored by VFW Posts. Post winners advance, one for every 15 entries, to the VFW District (regional) level where one first-place winner is advanced to the VFW Department (state) level. The first-place winner at the Department level is then advanced into the VFW national competition.

Robinson said, “The VFW Post 8803 is an integral part of our school community, whether it’s this contest, collecting donations for the troops, sending cards to veterans in nursing homes, or supporting our Tidioute Angel Program and graduating seniors. We appreciate their long-standing support and generosity.”