Each year the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks nationally through their Americanism Committees hold an Essay contest for 5^th – 8^th 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

1^st place (Waterbury Lodge: Chairman Linda Galvin)
District Chairman Denise Johnson
Dominic L.

2^nd place (Danbury Lodge: Chairman Lisa Knapp)                  
District Chairman William Russell
Hayden J.

3^rd place (Waterbury Lodge: Chairman Linda Galvin)    
District Chairman Denise Johnson
Xiomara D.

 Division Two Grade 6

1^st place (New Britain Lodge : Chairman Mark Prunin) 
District Chairman Denise Johnson
Leah B.

2^nd place (Wallingford Lodge: Chairman Jim Fitzsimmons)
District chairman Lawrence Bowden
Kayleigh R.

3^rd place (Derby Lodge: Chairman Sheila Parizo)
District Chairman William Russell
Lena L.

Division Three Grade 7

1^st place (Waterbury Lodge: Chairman Linda Galvin)
District Chairman Denise Johnson
Aiyana B.

2^nd place (Derby Lodge: Chairman Sheila Parizo)
District Chairman William Russell
Victoria B.

3^rd place (Wallingford Lodge: Chairman Jim Fitzsimmons)
District chairman Lawrence Bowden
Addison K.

Division Four Grade 8

1^st place (Derby Lodge: Chairman Sheila Parizo)
District Chairman William Russell
Calleigh G.

2^nd place (Wallingford Lodge: Chairman Jim Fitzsimmons )
District chairman Lawrence Bowden
Sarah S.

3^rd place (Waterbury Lodge: Chairman Linda Galvin)    
District Chairman Denise Johnson
Daniel V.

Congragulations to all the winners!