News : Area Students compete in Essay competition

The VFW Ladies Auxiliary 8884 of Vinton presented our Essay Contest rules & Titles to the Elementary Schools at Tilford & Shellsburg Elementary Schools in September. This contest was for 3rd,4th & 5th grade students. The students had until November to return their essay to our Local VFW Auxiliary. Last year was our first year to do this because we just started this organization. For our second year in 2013-14 Tilford Elementary joined Shellsburg Elementary students. Thanks to Shelly Patterson for gathering all The essay's and getting them over to the High School so we didn't have to drive to Shellsburg. Tilford had theirs already to go, too. There were 25 3rd graders from Shellsburg from Mrs. Patterson's class; 16 4th graders from Mrs. Sturtz & Mrs. Haisman's at Tilford. one 4th grade student from Mrs. Walker's class in Shellsburg; 45 5th grade student's from Mrs. Shannon's, Mrs. Gordon's, & Mrs. Franks classes at Shellsburg. Total students that participated were 87 students.
Every student that participated received a participation Ribbon, a certificate with their essay laminated back to back. The top seven students received medals with their name engraved on the back of the medal. They also received a laminated certificate with their essay attached. The essay's were judged by two retired teachers and an Iraq Veteran, on originality, content with the theme, and neatness. 1st place winners went on to district competition. Jeanette Henry-President of 8884 VFW Ladies Auxiliary and VFW 2nd District Americanism Chairman, organized the judging at the District Level. Cedar Rapids schools are also in our 2nd District, and had 150 students that participated. Their local VFW Auxiliary 788, judged the essays, then sent the top winners in each class to Jeanette for District Competition. The top winners will now go on to department competition. Those winners will be announced at our VFW Midwinter conference at the end of January in Des Moines. Our Local winners are :
3rd grade-1st place winner- Ella Haefner - Mrs. Patterson's class Shellsburg
Theme: " I love America Because". Ella also won The 2nd District competition and her essay went on to department competition.
4th grade winner: 1st place -Brynn Patterson - Mrs. Walker's class- Shellsburg. Theme: " My Favorite Freedom Is". Brynn's won 2nd District competition, her essay also went onto department competition. 5th grade winner: 1st place winner-Chole Tharp- Mrs. Shannon's class-Shellsburg.
Theme: " How Do we Show Our Pride In America". Chole came in 2nd place in the District competition. (Only first place goes on. Cedar Rapids School had first place winner for District 2) Makayla Christy's essay went on to department. On Friday, January 3rd, 2014, our VFW Ladies Auxiliary 8884 went to Tilford Elementary and presented the students with their awards. Jeanette Henry, Jan Bearbower, Donna Roepke(VFW Aux 8884) members, VFW Dale Henry, Don Roepke, and Toni Parizek attended. On Thursday January 9th, 2014 we went to Shellsburg Elementary and presented 3rd, 4th & 5th graders with their
awards. Jeanette Henry, Donna Roepke, Karen Martin(VFW Ladies Aux 8884 Members) and VFW Dale Henry, and Don Roepke attended.
Thank you to The 3rd,4th,5th grade teachers for letting us work with these students on expressing their patriotism
at this level in our communities. They are our future! Great Job Sudents!!!!