Congratulations to 7th grader Payton Cieslak on winning the local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Patriot’s Pen essay contest. She participated as part of a writing extension opportunity last May during the school shut down due to COVID-19.
Dedicated to encouraging a better understanding and appreciation of America, the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen essay competition helps foster patriotism among today’s youth. Students in grades 6-8 competed by answering this year’s theme, “What is Patriotism to Me?” Entrants vie for the top award of $5,000.
According to Payton, she is “so happy to get to honor all of the people who have served--if only I could say thank you to them enough.”
Payton received a certificate, presented by Mike Steger, Quartermaster of the Hartland VFW Marshall-Johnson Post 5158, as well as a monetary prize that she said will go into her college fund.
Pictured are winner Payton Cieslak, Mr. Mike Steger, Quartermaster of the Hartland VFW Marshall-Johnson Post 5158 and Middle School Communications teacher Mrs. Annie Bolin.