Many 8th grade students participated in the Patriot’s Pen Essay contest, a national writing contest sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars and supported by our Social Studies teachers. The theme this year was "How are you inspired by America?" VFW member Phil Roy and his wife Pamela Whelan-Roy, retired York teachers, presented the awards to the students. A number of our students received an honorable mention, with Paddy Fahey, Henry Mirick, and Evie Martin taking the top 3 spots. Paddy’s essay about the adaptability of Americans throughout history, including his own family’s history of immigration, was excellent and not only won for our school, but also the southern District 11. Congratulations to all the students who participated! Abby Kohler, Caitlin Peabbles, Alex Dimino, Kyleigh Gauthier, India Veilleux, Chase Cleary, Mackenzie Hosford, Colin Farrington, Quin Dijkstra, Emery Dodge, Ben Fitzgerald, Evie Martin (Third Place), Elouise McAllister, Henry Mirick (Second Place), Alexander Grinnell, Mason Walenta, Paddy Fahey (First Place)
A special shout out to teacher Lisa Graziano, for being recognized by the VFW for her efforts over her long teaching career to spotlight the work and sacrifice of our nation's veterans. She has a long list of teaching activities and school projects that she has undertaken to raise the value and importance of our service men and women, so it is meaningful that she is being recognized on a larger stage!