The American Legion Auxiliary of Gilbert held its 2013-2014 essay competition with this year's theme being how can I show my pride by being an American. Winners are, from left, Pleasant Valley High School senior Nina Giambalvo, Pleasant Valley Intermediate School fourth-grader Nicholas Garcia and sixth-grader Alyssa Kovacs. They are joined by auxiliary President Tara H. Furman. The students received an American Legion Auxiliary pin and a certificate, and a luncheon with family members. "We had a huge turnout of essays this year and we very proud," said auxiliary historian and

Chairwoman Tracey Giambalvo. Co-chairwoman is Susan Shoemaker.