Lennox eighth-grader Bree VanMeeteren, of Harrisburg, placed first in her district in a Veteran’s Day essay contest.
VanMeeteren and other eighth-graders from Lennox participated in the VFW Patriot’s Pen contest. District 1 sent their essays to Canton VFW Post No. 3164. This year’s theme was “Why I Appreciate America’s Veterans.”
VanMeeteren, whose parents are Wayne and Mollie VanMeeteren, focused her essay on how veterans are heroes.
“It’s about how Amercia’s veterans aren’t just special because they’re veterans, but they’re special because they’re heroes and they’re brave in every way possible,” she said.
She noted that her grandfather was a veteran.
The contest, which included more than 3,000 entries statewide, named its top three state winners from 10 districts at an event held in Pierre, S.D., Feb. 3. The winner of the state contest moves on to the national contest in Washington, D.C., for a chance to win a $5,000 scholarship. VanMeeteren earned third place in the state.
She said participating in the essay contest was a good opportunity for students to show their thanks to America’s veterans.
“It gives kids a chance to show why not just soldiers that are in the army now are special to our country but why veterans are and why Veteran’s Day is important to our nation,” VanMeeteren said.
Login to read VanMeeteren’s winning essay.