WASHOUGAL — Washougal students earned recognition in three Veterans of Foreign Wars competitions: the Patriot’s Pen youth essay contest, Voice of Democracy audio essay scholarship program and the State Junior Essay awards. The awards reflect the efforts of students from Jemtegaard Middle School, Canyon Creek Middle School, Gause Elementary, Columbia River Gorge Elementary and Washougal High School to thoughtfully articulate their understanding and appreciation of American values and democracy.
“Democracy is important because it means everyone has a voice,” said Jordan Stepp, first-place regional winner for the Voice of Democracy audio essay scholarship program. Veterans from VFW Post 4278 visited classrooms across Washougal School District to present the awards this winter.
Middle school participants were challenged to describe how they are inspired by America. Students Emberlee Ellsworth, Kaidence Powell, Natalie Lawrence, Kylie Woodruff, and Sky Pineda-Lamkin were honored for their essays in the Patriot’s Pen competition at Jemtegaard Middle School. At Canyon Creek Middle School, seventh grade student Avery Crain placed in the Patriot’s Pen contest and was recognized at a schoolwide assembly on Jan. 11.
Three elementary students placed in the state Junior Essay competition. Anava Grundy and Joela Grundy (Columbia River Gorge Elementary), and Scout Eldridge (Gause Elementary) expressed their thoughts on democracy with clarity and creativity, according to the judges.
