Americanism Essay Contest Winners for 2022-2023

Americanism Essay Contest Winners for 2022-2023
Each year the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks nationally through their Americanism Committees hold an Essay contest for 5th – 8th grade students. Each state including the Connecticut Elk’s Association use the same theme for judging purposes. Each year we decide on a new theme, this year’s theme being “What is your American Dream? “This patriotic contest gives school children an opportunity to express their pride in America. Fostering our youth’s appreciation and respect for patriotism is central to understanding our country’s heritage. Elk’s all across the country enthusiastically endorse this program because patriotism is one of the Elk’s cornerstones. Many thanks go out to all the students, parents, guardians and teachers that allow this essay to take place each year.
This year’s submissions were excellent and certainly made the job of judging quite difficult. We enjoyed reading all the essays and appreciate all the hard work that went into them. We are extremely proud of all the contestants.
Division One Grade 5
1st place (Waterbury Lodge: Chairman Linda Galvin)
District Chairman Denise Johnson
Dominic L.
2nd place (Danbury Lodge: Chairman Lisa Knapp)
District Chairman William Russell
Hayden J.
3rd place (Waterbury Lodge: Chairman Linda Galvin)
District Chairman Denise Johnson
Xiomara D.
Division Two Grade 6
1st place (New Britain Lodge : Chairman Mark Prunin)
District Chairman Denise Johnson
Leah B.
2nd place (Wallingford Lodge: Chairman Jim Fitzsimmons)
District chairman Lawrence Bowden
Kayleigh R.
3rd place (Derby Lodge: Chairman Sheila Parizo)
District Chairman William Russell
Lena L.
Division Three Grade 7
1st place (Waterbury Lodge: Chairman Linda Galvin)
District Chairman Denise Johnson
Aiyana B.
2nd place (Derby Lodge: Chairman Sheila Parizo)
District Chairman William Russell
Victoria B.
3rd place (Wallingford Lodge: Chairman Jim Fitzsimmons)
District chairman Lawrence Bowden
Addison K.
Division Four Grade 8
1st place (Derby Lodge: Chairman Sheila Parizo)
District Chairman William Russell
Calleigh G.
2nd place (Wallingford Lodge: Chairman Jim Fitzsimmons )
District chairman Lawrence Bowden
Sarah S.
3rd place (Waterbury Lodge: Chairman Linda Galvin)
District Chairman Denise Johnson
Daniel V.
Congragulations to all the winners!
Art Brault, PDDAmericanism State Chairman