Legion essay contest winners announced
Almira/Coulee-Hartline students Kaia Tipps, left, and Luke Goetz, right, were among the winners in the annual essay contest sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary, Art Sempro Unit 28.
COURTESY PHOTO/ALMIRA/COULEE-HARTLINE SCHOOL
EPHRATA — Five Columbia Basin students will advance to further competition in the annual American Legion Auxiliary essay contest. Winners from Art Sempro Unit 28, Ephrata, were announced in early March.
Winners in the 2024 Americanism essay contest for Unit 28 were Gwen Adams, Class 1, Natalie Hubbard, Class 2; Anna Schapf, Class 3; Luke Goetz, Class 4 and Kaia Tipps, Class 5.
“The essays have been sent to our department chairman for judging with other essays received from throughout the state of Washington,” wrote contest chair Jane Montaney. “Winners from the department will advance to the division (contest) to be judged along with winners from 13 other states.”
The winning essays from the division will be entered into national competition, she wrote.
Three schools participated, Montenay wrote, but participation was lower than in years past.
“We are very grateful for those who took advantage of this opportunity,” she wrote.
Participants were Almira/Coulee-Hartline, New Life Christian Academy and St. Rose of Lima Catholic School. Winners received a certificate and a $10 award; other participants received a certificate in appreciation.
“We are very grateful to those teachers who were able to fit our contest into their curriculum,” Montaney wrote. “All of us involved in this local contest were both pleased and proud of our local youth as we read these essays.”