News : Caleb Janko wins VFW State Essay Contest

VFW Post 8884 members congratulate Caleb Janko on winning the state essay contest.

On Wednesday, February 13, members of VFW Post 8884 & VFW Ladies Auxiliary went to the Shellsburg Elementary School to Award Our Essay winner Caleb Janko-3rd grader with his awards.

Caleb Janko won our local essay contest, 2nd District contest, and he also won The VFW Ladies Auxiliary Iowa Department essay contest.
The 3rd grade theme was "I Love America Because..."

Caleb's essay read:
"I love America because it is the best country in the world! We have freedoms here that other countries do not, such as voting for our president, speaking freely, and living the "American Dream" of building a future for ourselves, without fear. We have men and women who serve in the military and willingly risk their lives to protect us
and those freedoms set forth by our forefathers. America truly is a great nation!"

He won a 1st place medal with his name engraved on back, a plaque, a certificate with his essay laminated on the back by VFW Ladies Auxiliary 8884; from 2nd District he won a certificate, and $10; and from the Iowa Department he won $50, a certificate. He also won a afghan made by Jeanette Henry with his essay stitched on it.
This was our first year that our VFW Ladies Auxiliary participated in this contest because we just started our VFW ladies Auxiliary last April. We are proud of all the students from Shellsburg Elementary School that took part.We had 25 (3rd graders) and 16 (5th graders). Great job students!! Zandalee Graves, 5th grader, won our local competion
and 2nd district competition for her essay.