Muskego VFW Honors Young Patriots

The Muskego VFW Post 8171 had its hands full with submissions for its Patriot Pen essay contest, but no one was complaining.

The Post received 50 submissions from middle schoolers for Patriot Pen, up from 35 last year.  In addition, the high school contest dubbed the Voice of Democracy, had yielded little interest so the VFW no longer sponsored it, but were happy to see "an enterprising student" from Muskego High School submit an essay.

Dennis Duran, past commander for the post, congratulated the students and their parents for fostering "a love of country," and thanked them for their efforts in composing the essays.

Tom Couture, who oversees the contest, said that the results took a while to get through and deciding the top three essays was tough. He said the students' research of the topic, "Are You Proud of Your Country," was thorough, no doubt aided by the internet but was an encouraging sign.

Winners included:

Ariana Czaplewski, Voice of Democracy, senior Muskego High School

Tommy Anderson, Patriot Pen, 8th grade, Bay Lane Middle School - 1st place

Rachel McKay, Patriot Pen, 8th grade, Bay Lane Middle School - 2nd place

Paul Koble, Patriot Pen, 8th grade, Bay Lane Middle School - 3rd place

Students received a cash award for their efforts. Winners' essays will advance to the state competition.