ICMS students ink Patriot’s Pen honors

Thompson’s entry takes second statewide

 

Editor’s note: The following was submitted by Dr. Dina Tallis, Imlay City Schools Executive Director-Curriculum and Instruction.

IMLAY CITY — Imlay City Middle School students recently showcased their patriotic spirit through writing as 8th-grade U.S. History students participated in the VFW’s national essay competition, known as Patriot’s Pen.

This program is one of several scholarship initiatives sponsored by the VFW aimed at encouraging student engagement in civic matters.

This year, a total of 120 essays were submitted to Mr. LaMarra, with the theme “My Voice in America’s Democracy.”

From these submissions, Mr. LaMarra selected 25 exemplary essays to forward to the VFW for judging.

The essays were evaluated by the VFW Auxiliary group, which follows national guidelines allowing for one winner for every 15 essays submitted.

The Imlay City VFW Auxiliary group proudly announced 8 winners from the pool of 120 entries.

The esteemed winners are Claribel Thompson, Madison Krajsek, Kylie Rodda, Jose Venegas, Yarieli Galeana, Lucas Keeping, Bella O’Malley, and Lilian Ramsey.

Each winner was awarded a certificate along with a $50 check from the Imlay City VFW Post 2492 during a luncheon held in early December.

Mr. LaMarra and his students extend their heartfelt gratitude to the Imlay City VFW and Auxiliary group, particularly Rosemary Earehart and Roberta Reid, for hosting the luncheon, distributing prizes, and judging the essays. Their support has been instrumental in making this competition a success.

Furthermore, these local winners advanced to the district round of the national competition, vying to represent the VFW district at the state level.

This year’s district competition took place at the VFW Post in Fenton on Sunday, January 12th.

At this stage, only one student could progress. District 10 awarded cash prizes to the top three essayists, with Kylie Rodda securing third place ($100) and Claribel Thompson taking first place ($300).

As the first-place winner for District 10, Claribel attended the VFW of Michigan’s Mid-Winter Conference in Kalamazoo from January 31st to February 2nd, where she competed against 11 other essayists from across the state for the opportunity to represent Michigan at the national competition in Washington, D.C., in March.

In a remarkable achievement, Claribel earned second place among all Michigan essayists and received an additional $800 for her outstanding efforts.