Patriot’s Pen Winners Recognized in School Assembly

Post date: Dec 10, 2014 7:26:55 PM

In a school wide assembly honoring veterans at Wells Junior High School on December 8^th, four students were recognized in front of their peers for placing in this year’s patriotic themed VFW Patriot’s Pen youth essay contest sponsored locally by VFW Post 6545 in Kennebunk.

Each year, this national creative writing contest provides interested students a central theme to ponder and write about. This year’s theme was "Why I Appreciate America's Veterans".

Those placing included eighth graders Hailey Tostenson (Third Place), Daisy Aromando (First Place), and Delaney O'Brien (Second Place). Also placing was Wells High School freshman Estelle Reardon, who received Second Place in Voice of Democracy, the VFW’s high school version of Patriot's Pen.

“The contest gives students a great opportunity to write essays expressing their views on democracy,” commented WJHS ELA eighth grade teacher Julie Esch. “All three of this year’s (WJHS) winners were from my class, and I am extremely proud of their fine writing.”

According to Esch, Daisy Aromando's first place essay will advance to regional competition for judging. “Essays are judged on how well students understand, develop, and present theme,” commented Esch. First place winners at the regional level can advance to the VFW’s state and national competitions.

Shortly after this assembly, the Wreaths Across America caravan made a brief, curb stop at Wells Junior High School on its annual trek to Arlington, Virginia with thousands of holiday wreaths for Arlington National Cemetery.

Caption: Local winners in this year’s Patriot’s Pen youth essay contest include (l to r) WJHS students Hailey Tostenson (Third Place), Daisy Aromando (First Place), and Delaney O'Brien (Second Place). Also placing was WHS freshman Estelle Reardon, who received Second Place in Voice of Democracy, the VFW’s high school equivalent to Patriot's Pen.