VFW Memorial Post 9462 announced the winners of this year’s local Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest and Citizenship Education Teacher Award during a visit to Absecon Public Schools on Thursday, Feb. 23.

This year’s essay contest winners are:

1st Place, Hannah O., 7th Grade

2nd Place, Farhan A., 8th Grade

3rd Place, Sienna W., 7th Grade

Teacher award recipients are Mrs. Liepe, Attales Middle School, and Mrs. Bellettini, Marsh Elementary School.

Dedicated to encouraging a better understanding and appreciation of America, the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen essay competition helps foster patriotism among today’s youth.

The contest is hosted locally by VFW Absecon Memorial Post 9462 and is open to eligible sixth, seventh and eighth grade students. Winners are then entered into the national contest for a chance to win the $5,000 first-place national award.

This year’s Patriot’s Pen theme asked students to reflect and expand on “My Pledge to Our Veterans.”

The Teacher Award is given to educators who instill a sense of national pride in students.