Press release

Big Pine American Legion Auxiliary is proud to announce the 2016 Americanism Essay Contest winners for Big Pine School.

Back row: Brian Hambleton, Gena Lewis, Eric Fairley, Marcelo Chavez, Bodie Steinwand, and Tyler Hambleton
Front row: William Vance, Rainah Dewey, Lauren Loy, C.J. Carrington, Chayton Patterson, and Ashley Fitt.

The auxiliary’s Americanism program includes all activities that perpetuate American ideals and to uphold the principles of American democracy. The American Legion Auxiliary believes that the more knowledge our young people gain, the better citizens they will become.

That is why the auxiliary is so committed to education. Investing in the education of our young people is investing in the future of our country.

Auxiliary President, Rosemarie Todd, presented cash awards to the winners on March 22 at Big Pine School and would like to thank the teachers and students who participated in the 2016 Americanism Essay Contest.

All first place winners’ essays have advanced to the district level.

Group IV grades 12th, 11th, and 10th: “What Freedom Means To Me”
1st: Brian Hambleton
2nd: Eric Fairley
3rd: Gena Lewis
Group III grades 9th and 8th: What Is Patriotism
1st: Tyler Hambleton
2nd: Bodie Steinwand
3rd: Marcelo Chavez
Group II grades 7th and 6th: What Can I Do For My Country?
1st: Lauren Loy
2nd: Rainah Dewey
3rd: William Vance
Group I grades 5th and 4th: Why Should We Stand as Our Flag Passes By?
1st: Ashley Fitt
2nd: Chayton Patterson
3rd: C.J. Carrington