Members of VFW Post 9700 in Cheyenne Wells presented awards to recognize the winners of the 2023-2024 Patriot’s Pen Contest to students at the Cheyenne Wells School.

Patriot’s Pen is an essay contest sponsored by the National Veterans of Foreign Wars for students in Grades 6-8.  It encourages young minds to examine America’s history, along with their own experiences in modern American society, by drafting a 300-to-400-word essay on a patriotic theme chosen by the VFW Commander-in-Chief.  This year’s theme was “How Are You Inspired by America?”

Seven students in Erica Kern’s sixth grade class participated in this year’s contest.  Students who wrote essays and received certificates along with American Flag lapel pins were:  Hoyt Hevner, Kadence Kern, Gary Lewis, Alexis Mitchek, Payson Morford, Kolbren Pelton, and Annyston Sewell.

The top three winners also received financial awards from the VFW Post.  Annyston Sewell’s essay placed first, Alexis Mitchek received a second-place award, and Kadence Kern placed third with her essay.  Annyston Sewell’s essay was entered in the VFW District 13 contest.

Members of VFW Post 9700 attending the classroom ceremony were Bart Addy, John Gladman, Vicki Henderson, and Dennis Renner.

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Photo Caption. Patriot’s Pen Awards Participants: Gary Lewis, Annyston Sewell, Alexis Mitchek, Kadence Kern, Payson Morford, Kolbren Pelton, Hoyt Hevner, Row Vicki Henderson, John Gladman, Dennis Renner, Bart Addy. Photo by Erica Kern, Sixth Grade Teacher