Students in grades 5th-8th in Wabash County were given the opportunity to participate in this year’s Americanism Essay Contest, “Why Our Veterans Are America’s Heroes,” sponsored by the Illinois Elks Association. Each Lodge throughout the State selected their “Top Three” essays from both divisions: Division I: 5th-6th grades; Division II: 7th-8th grades, which were then submitted to the District for judging. Each District winner was then submitted to the State for judging. State winners were announced during the May Elks State Meeting in Springfield. Over 200 essays were submitted at the local Lodge level. 1st-Place winners were awarded $50; 2nd-Place winners -$25; and 3rd-Place winners-$15. Each winner was awarded a Certificate of Merit. The Top 3 winning essays were submitted to the South Central District for District judging. Lodges in the South Central District include: Carmi, Centralia, Fairfield, Flora, Lawrenceville, McLeansboro, Mt. Carmel, Mt. Vernon, Olney, and Salem.

Louise Acree, Americanism Chairman of the local Elks Lodge, was pleased to announce the local Lodge winners: Division I: 5th-6th grades: 1st Place-Madison Stevens, 2nd Place-Hallie Courter, 3rd Place-Kali Walker; Division II: 7th-8th grades: 1st Place-Molly Rafferty; 2nd Place-Carli Merritt; 3rd Place-Owen Dougherty. 1st Place winners were awarded $50; 2nd Place winners were awarded $25, and 3rd Place winners were awarded $15. Each of the winners was awarded a Certificate of Merit.

Molly Rafferty captured 1st Place in the 7th-8th Grade Division at District competition for which she received a $100 award and a Certificate of Merit.