Lehighton Legion Auxiliary 314, Shoemaker-Haydt Post, recently presented certificates and $25 prizes to the winners of the 2010 Americanism essay contest.

The theme was, "What is My Patriotic Role as a U.S. Citizen?"Americanism chairwoman Sue Anthony was master of ceremonies.Three area students were presented awards.Ethan Miller, son of Carol and Trevor Miller, is a fourth-grade student at Mahoning Elementary School.Miller's essay also won the Four County Council Award and the State Department Award. His essay will be judged at the national competition."Even a 10-year-old has a patriotic role as a U.S. citizen," wrote Miller. "Our most important role is getting a good education because we need to learn more about our country's history and study our laws. This country was built on the freedom."Erik Reichard is the son of Sam and Karen Reichard. He is a fifth-grade student at Lehighton Area Middle School.Reichard wrote, that he felt his role is, "To show respect to the soldiers and my country and attend Memorial Day and Veterans Day parades. One way I can show patriotism is to vote."Katelyn Hosler is the daughter of Katherine and James Hosler, and a seventh-grade student at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic School in Lehighton.Hosler wrote that her patriotic role was, "Duty. Honor. Country. As a U.S. citizen I should honor my country. Our freedom is not free."