Patriot Pen Winners for 2022 Declared

VFW Buster Deo Post 4067, represented by Don Klinko and Carolyn Schmoeckel of VFW Auxiliary met at the High School Auditorium recently to announce the 2022 Patriot Pen winners.

Every school in the county, as well as home schoolers, were made aware of the contest ending October 31, 2022.

A total of 60 entries entitled "MY PLEDGE TO OUR VETERANS" were received and judged by: knowledge of theme worth 30 points; theme development worth 35 points; and clarity of ideas worth 35 points.

The Patriot's Pen program is conducted nationwide and is a VFW sponsored youth essay competition giving students an opportunity to write essays. More than 84,000 entered in 2021. The first place national award is currently $5,000, so write on ye hearty students!

Essays were judged by three judges resulting in Tripp Lefdahl, 8th grade, son of Ryan Lefdahl and grandson of Mary Lefdahl, receiving first place; Tailynn Wilke, 8th grade, daughter of Lonny and Dawn Wilke, second place; and Jackson Bleth, 8th grade, son of Shawn and Meagan Bleth placing third.

The VFW Auxiliary extends its appreciation to Shyla Clausen, Malta middle school teacher for encouraging students to write essays each year.