News : VFW and Auxiliary Elementary essay winners (3rd, 4th, 5th) grades

Each year at this time our youth from Elementary schools from District 2 VFW and Auxiliary write their essays. Towns in our District 2 VFW and Auxiliary were: Vinton-Shellsburg 2440 (which Vinton Auxiliary transferred to Independence 2440 but still got to participate in Vinton). Cedar Rapids 788; Dubuque 508.

The elementary schools started writing their essays when school started and finished in October for local competition. The top winners went on to the District 2 competition and then on to the state competition.

Our Independence 2440 3rd grade winner who went on to state was Jotun Lorenzen from Shellsburg Elementary. The 3rd grade theme was "I Love America Because." He also placed first place at Local and first place at District 2. Other 3rd grade winners from District 2 were: 2nd place-Mary Dietrich from Cedar Rapids 788 Auxiliary; 3rd place-Harlow Bland- Independence 2440 Auxiliary.

The 4th grade theme was " I am Grateful for Veterans Because." First place winner was Harper Mussman from Cedar Rapids 788 Auxiliary; 2nd place was Amelia Knudtson from Independence 2440 Auxiliary; 3rd place winner was Erdi Celo from Vinton 2440 Auxiliary. Harper Mussman from Cedar Rapids 788 Auxiliary placed at state competition.

5th grade theme was "I am proud to be an American Because." First place winner was Noah Tracy from 508 Auxiliary from Dubuque; Spencer Ryan from Independence 2440 Auxiliary placed 2nd; Hannah Groezinger from Cedar Rapids 788 Auxiliary placed 3rd.

At the elementary level, the towns involved will be holding their awards days in the spring so we don't have any pictures at this time but will share when we do our awards at each town. At the Department VFW Auxiliary competition for essays (Americanism), 9 out of the 10 Districts participated across the state of Iowa. In the third grade, 347 essays were written; 4th grade: 378 were written; 5th grade: 331 essays were written for a total of 1056 essays written.

Our students honored our Veterans across Iowa. They are our Future so we hope the schools and communities continue with this great event.