Each year the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) hosts the Patriot’s Pen youth essay contest for middle school students. According to their website “each year nearly 68,800 sixth through eighth grade students” enter the contest across the country. “The essay contest encourages young minds to examine America’s history, along with their own experiences in modern American society, by drafting a 300 to 400 word essay, expressing their views based on a patriotic theme chosen by the VFW Commander in Chief.” This year’s theme was “How are you Inspired by America?”
Central Middle School 6th grade student Kyra Wilkinson has clinched 1st place at both the local and district level and is currently awaiting state results. Her love for history and our country shines throughout her essay. She was awarded her local certificate and scholarship on January 6th, 2024 at a ceremony at the VFW Post in Buchanan, GA, and was awarded her 1st place certificate and scholarship for our district on Feb 3, 2024 at the VFW post in Marietta, GA. She plans to enter the contest again next school year. Pictured below is Kyra receiving her district award.
