MANCHESTER — Sixteen Manchester Essex Regional Middle School seventh-graders offered their reflections on democracy as part of Patriot’s Pen National Essay Contest.
The annual contest, sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, is open to sixth- to eighth-graders. Participants are asked to write a 300-400 word essay expressing their values and opinions on a designated patriotic theme — with the winner receiving a scholarship award.
The theme for this year’s essay was “My Voice in American’s Democracy?,” which encouraged students to explore the ways they might contribute to democracy.
Makayla Miller’s essay won first place at the district level and her essay will advance to the state round of the competition. Should Miller place at the state level, her essay would then advance to compete at the national level.
Other students who submitted essays were Caleb Beausoleil, Melina Binieris, Isaac Collins, Katherine Costello, Scarlett Chobanian, Madeline Eurich, Thomas Frash, Eleanor Hall, Aviva Hocherman, Myriam Langlois, Layla Mello, Declan McKeen, Ava Porter, Evelyn Rodi and Skylar Rothe.
Superintendent Pam Beaudoin and Principal Joanne Maino said the essays demonstrated the students’ role in shaping America’s future.
Veterans of Foreign Wars District 1 Commander Kim Emmerling congratulated the students who entered the contest.
“We are unbelievably proud of each of our students who participated in this contest and took the time to create thoughtful essays that reflected their honest opinions and beliefs,” Maino said. “It is important our students understand the role they have in our society as they continue to grow personally and academically and we are grateful they had this experience to reflect on that.”
The participating students are part of English classes taught by teachers Vidula Plante and Jan Gauthier. The essays were judged on the basis of the applicant’s knowledge of the theme, development of the theme and the clarity of ideas.
Stephen Hagan can be reached at 978-675-2708 or at shagan@gloucestertimes.com.