VFW Post 1409 Patriot’s Pen essay contest winners

Three Ringgold Middle School students were recognized at VFW Post 1409 in Black Diamond during Monday’s monthly meeting. Each year the post sponsors the Patriot’s Pen essay contest for middle-schoolers and this year’s theme was “My Voice in America’s Democracy.” First place at the post level was seventh-grader Cody Gump, son of Lisa and Richard Gump. Second place went to eighth-grader Xeriee Griffin, daughter of Skie Griffin and third place to seventhgrader Leo Martik, son of Tricia Martik. Ringgold Middle School English Teacher Krysta Klorcyk encourages students in her class to participate each year. The students were commended for their entries and received certificates and Amazon gift cards. They were also encouraged to participate in next year’s essay contests at the middle and high school level. Shown, from left, are VFW Post 1409 Commander Dan Engle, Klorcyk, Skie Griffin, Xeriee Griffin, Cody Gump, Lisa and Richard Gump and Gena Sproul, Post 1409 essay chairperson and judge advocate.