RECOGNITION GIVEN — Top local finishers in the Patriot’s Pen essay contest, sponsored through the Veterans of Foreign Wars, were recognized during Monday’s meeting of the Hancock County Board of Education. Taking part were, from left, Oak Glen Middle Principal Derek VanDyke, Alisa Munoz, Aubrie Wells, Olivia Ware, Kinley Moore, Elizabeth Six, and Alyson Taylor. -- Craig Howell

NEW CUMBERLAND — The Patriot’s Pen essay contest encourages middle school students to explore American history and society through essays featuring a patriotic theme.

This year, Oak Glen Middle School had the work of six students recognized on the local level of the contest sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

“We are excited to celebrate our winners of the Patriot’s Pen contest,” Oak Glen Middle Principal Derek VanDyke said during Monday’s meeting of the Hancock County Board of Education where all six students were recognized.

Through the New Cumberland VFW Post 3526, the top three finishers were Kinley Moore, first place; Alyson Taylor, second place; and Elizabeth Six, third place.

From the Chester VFW Post 6450, award recipients were Aubrie Wells, first place; Alisa Munoz, second place; and Olivia Ware, third place.

This year’s theme was “How are you showing patriotism and support for our country?”

Through the contest, students are asked to express their opinion on a patriotic theme by writing an essay between 300 and 400 words. It is open to students in sixth through eighth grades in public, private and parochial schools, as well as home-schooled children. Students must be U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence to participate.

“This helps, also, to give them practice in their writing skills,” VanDyke said.

Depending on the number of local participants, each VFW Post, after selecting its winners, will submit entries for consideration at the district level, winners from which then may move on to the national level.

VanDyke expressed pride in all of the Oak Glen Middle students for their focus on academics.