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Middle School Students Have Chance To Win Savings Bonds

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By LOIS KINDLE

The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 2, 2008

Updated:

RUSKIN - Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6287 invites middle school students in grades six through eight to enter its annual Patriot's Pen Essay Competition.

Through various stages of the competition, youngsters have the opportunity of competing for thousands of dollars in U.S. Savings Bonds and other prizes, said Shirley May, post trustee and event chairwoman.

This year's patriotic theme is Why America's Veterans Should be Honored. Each typewritten essay must be at least 300 words and no more than 400 words. The essays must be turned in with completed entry forms at the post, 5120 U.S. 41 N., by Nov. 1.

"We're all about fostering patriotism, especially in young people," May said. "Each year, more than 130,000 students participate in the Patriot's Pen Essay, nationwide.

"The contest is endorsed by the National Association of Secondary School Principals. "Students may earn extra credit by participating."

Participants begin by competing at the post level, with winners advancing to district, she said. District winners then compete at the state level, where they can win more prizes, U.S. Savings Bonds and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington. The top prize is a $10,000 bond.

Last year's post winner, Richard Davies, who was then an eighth-grader at Beth Shields Middle School, won a $500 bond. Second place and a $200 bond went to Shields' Kayla Leger, who is now an eighth-grader. And third place was awarded to Sabrina Peregolise, who was a sixth-grader at Randall Middle School. All received plaques.

Michael Roberto and Michelle Whatley, both of Eisenhower Middle School, received honorable mentions.

For information and entry forms, call May at (813) 645-3410, e-mail aability1 @verizon.net or visit www.vfw.org.

Reporter Lois Kindle can be reached at (813) 865-1553 or lkindle@tampatrib.com.

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