The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Century Post 503 announced that two Downers Grove Grade School District 58 students won its annual Patriot’s Pen Essay Writing Contest. Congratulations to Sydney Fleming, an eighth grader at Herrick Middle School, and Ryan Lynde, a seventh grader at O’Neill Middle School.
Patriot’s Pen is the VFW’s nationwide youth essay competition that encourages children to express their views on democracy. This year’s topic was “America’s Gift to My Generation.” Sydney’s essay described how U.S. history and her ancestors’ memories are America’s greatest gift to her generation, while Ryan’s essay asserted that forest preserves and wildlife conservation deserve this recognition. Both students wrote clearly and demonstrated knowledge on their topic.
“Please join the Veterans of Foreign Wars in offering congratulations to these fine participants for their effort and accomplishment,” said Bob Nimz, the Patriot’s Pen post chairman for the VFW Century Post 503.
The VFW will honor both students during a luncheon later this month.
For more information about the Patriot’s Pen essay-writing contest, please visit http://vfw503.org/patriots_pen.htm.