Young patriots win essay contest, write about honoring American Flag

Pictured left to right are front row, Elle Copple, Saige Olson and Ashley Feiden; back row Carl Carder, Gary Jones, and Ryan Beenken.
Young patriots win essay contest, write about honoring American Flag
The Gallatin Frank Frazier VFW Post 2172 announces the results for the Patriot Penn Essay Contest.
The Patriot’s Pen Essay‘s theme this year was “Why I Honor the American Flag.” The contest consisted of four levels. The first level began with the local post. First place advanced to district, state, and national. The contest was open to any sixth, seventh or eighth grader. Homeschooled students were also eligible. The essay was 300-400 words.
First place received $50, second place $30, and third place $25. The VFW Post 2172 provided the awarded amounts.
Presenting this year’s Patriot’s Pen winners were Post Commander Gary Jones, and VFW Youth Chairman Carl Carder. First Place went to Elle Copple, eighth grade, daughter of Bryan and Ronda Copple, Gallatin; second place, Saige Olson, seventh grade, daughter of Andrew and Whitney Olson, Gallatin; and third place, Ashley Feiden, seventh grade, daughter of Chris and Terri Feiden Gallatin. Miss Copple’s essay will be submitted to district level.
Ryan Beenken, social studies teacher at Gallatin R-5 Middle School, encourages his students to participate in the Patriot’s Pen Essay contest every year. The Post commends Mr. Beenken and his students for showing their patriotism by participating in the essay contest.