Student essay winners

Naselle Students in Mrs. Bennett's Middle School English classes recently participated in the Veteran's of Foreign Wars national essay contest entitled "What Patriotism Means to Me." The requirements were an essay 300-400 words in length. The students were judged according to theme development, knowledge of the theme and clarity of ideas. Mark Smith of the Long Beach VFW awarded cash prizes of $100, $75, and $50 to the first, second and third place winners in each grade. The winners in 6th grade were Abigail Moten, first place, and Anna Kulp, second place. The 7th grade first place winner was Cole Dorman. Second place winner was Paul Bjornsgard and third place was Jacob Eaton. In the eighth grade Zachary Thorsen was first place, Austin Shrives second place and Samantha Wert was third place. The first place essay from each grade will be submitted to the district level for the next phase of the contest.