The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) of the United States is a nonprofit veterans service organization comprised of eligible veterans and military service members from the active, guard, and reserve forces. As part of their commitment to supporting youth in the community, they offer several youth scholarships every year. Students in grades 6-8 across America can enter a 300-400 word essay into the Patriot’s Pen contest for a chance to win a local, state, or national award. The contest’s parameters include examining America’s history, and students must share their own experiences of a modern American society. This year’s topic was “ How can I be a good American?” Students were required to describe ways in which they could have a positive impact in their community as Americans.
Center School is excited and proud to announce that three Center School students won local awards courtesy of the local Willow Grove VFW Post 3612! Each winner received a certificate, medal, and monetary prize awarded by Willow Grove VFW members Ed Heary and Emmett Mayo, Quartermaster.
Makenzie Witherspoon (8th) from Philadelphia received 1st place. In her essay, she wrote about her community and stopping negativity, “ …remember that no one is born a good citizen but leadership, bravery, and courage pave the way to making the world a better place. As Americans, we have to do better to be better.”
Alex Muttreja (8th) from Meadowbrooke received 2nd place. He reflected upon being a team player, “If everyone were a team player, brave, and tried to be a leader, the possibilities would be infinite. That’s how you can be an incredible American.”
Quinn Gregory (7th) from Philadelphia received 3rd place. He clearly shares his view about leadership and inclusion, “If I see peers who are different from me, I can kindly welcome them into my circle of friends by offering them to play with us.”
Center School is an independent school based in Abington, PA that supports children who have language based learning differences such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, and ADHD. For over 30 years, Center School has served children from the local community and surrounding districts spanning four counties and over a dozen different school districts.