Posted 3/21/01
Americanism: North Branch students earn awards for patriotic projects
On Monday, March 12, the North Branch VFW Auxiliary to VFW Post #6242, visited the local schools to award Americanism contest prizes and recognize students who had participated in the Americanism contests.
Presidents Abraham Lincoln and George Washington were honored in a belated commemoration as the original award date had been set for February 12.
The first visit was to the 6th grade group who had written essays on ìWhat is a patriot?î
One hundred students from four of the 6th grade groups had participated. Alden Nelson was awarded first place; Alex Klarich, second place and Danielle Sommerfeld and Lacee Scherer tied for third place.
Honorable mention was given to Kyle Lovin, Brittany Rindahl, Brad Peters, Jim Loger, Jennifer Vang, Rudy Meyers-Wickes, Kelsey OíHern, Blake Marche, Jenny Germain and Ashley McNealy.
In the fifth grade, 120 students from five groups had also written on the same topic, ìWhat is a patriot?î
Robert Berendt was awarded first place, Blake Kvale second place and Sydne Kreitz third place. Honorable mention was given to Lacey Hallan, Stephanie Saxe, Emily Ward, Crystal Miller, Mickey Price, Jeremiah OíKeefe, Jeff Vogel, Tommy Olson, Amanda Stack, Scott Ostrom, Terese Morgan and Aaren Barriger.
All of the 5th and 6th grade participants were given Pledge of Allegiance pencils in appreciation of their participation.
One class of seventh grade, under direction of teacher Lou Blomquist, had written special essays in a Youth Essay Contest with the title ìWhat does it mean to be patriotic.î
Ten essays were submitted and one overall winner was awarded a $100 Savings bond. Michael Carlson was awarded this prize. Three other monetary awards were also given in this group: first place to Hannah Forstrom, second to Britta Hagstrom and third place to Matt Carlson. All of the participants were given Pledge of Allegiance pencils.
Mrs. Mayís fourth grade class made drawings titled ìIf I were an American Flag - Where Would I like to Fly?î
Seven entries were submitted. First place was awarded to Karissa Crouse. Her entry had been entered in the District 7 competition where she received second place. This award was presented to her on March 12, also. Second place went to Shianne Zachrison and third to Beck Koecher.
Citizen Education Student Activity Sheets were given to the whole class in appreciation of their and Mrs. Mayís participation in this activity.
Mrs. Gooleyís first-grade class submitted 22 entries in the drawing of the Statue of Liberty. First place went to Miranda Monohan; Katie Balzar and Greta Lindberg tied for second place; and Cole Lee placed third.
One student, Aisha Liebernow, submitted a drawing from Ms. Koivistoís second grade class. She was given an award and a Pledge of Allegiance pencil.
Seven drawings of the Statue of Liberty from four kindergarten groups were submitted. Each of these students was given a cloth 4î x 6î American Flag to respect and care for in appreciation of their participation in the activity.
The names of these students are: Zachary Sundly, Jacob Piny, Brittany David, Matt Solberg, Jaclyn Young, Samantha Rogstad and Allysa Ramberg.
Tom Moriarityís high school art students were honored for three patriotic art entries. First place, Andy Huberty; second place Katie Leehy; and third place Maggie Lofboom. Each entrant was presented a flag etiquette booklet.
What is a Patriot?
First place grade 5
By Robert E. Berendt
Grade 5
Ms. Mittelsteadt
A patriot is a person who loves and loyally supports his country. Here are a couple examples of patriots that support this country. They include the presidents, governors and office workers.
A patriotic person is someone who joins the Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard or the National Guard to support his country by keeping enemies away and keeping the people safe and free. A patriot is a server of our countryís needs. Some patriots are people that have been hurt from being shot or injured or have blown off legs or arms.
You may see patriots in many parades. Especially on Veterans Day. Patriots are people who show loyalty and respect to our country. One way to show loyalty and respect to the United States of America is to stand up when the flag goes by or when you sing ìThe Star Spangled Banner.î You can also show respect by removing your hat. In America, saying the Pledge of Allegiance is another way of showing respect.
I think everyone should be respectful and kind in our country. If everyone was a patriot we would have a very proud and peaceful country.
First place grade 6
By Alden Nelson
Grade 6
A patriot to me is a person who loves and supports our country. I feel I am a patriot by taking care of our environment, not littering, protecting wildlife and plants. People who work for the government like teachers, policemen and firemen are patriots. Leaders like Bill Clinton and people who vote are patriots. I believe as a patriot that I am responsible to be well informed on how my government works and who the people that represent me are. I believe my grandfathers are patriots because they risked their lives to fight for our country. Any soldiers that trained for or fought in a war are patriots.
Organizations like Boy and Girl Scouts and VFW are taught to respect and serve their country.
It is a privilege to live in the United States. Our country is very beautiful with lakes, rivers and mountains, so it is important not to litter or damage our great country.
The flag and National Anthem represent what we believe in. I believe that as a good patriot it is my job to take care of them.
We are lucky to have the freedom of speech and the right to practice any religion. There are many laws and rules made by our government, to obey them is to be a good patriot. Being a patriot makes me feel great and it is not hard to do at all.