Members of the American Legion Auxiliary, Post 314, Lehighton, presented awards to three students from Lehighton Area Elementary Center for their entries in the Americanism Essay Program. The essay theme was: “How can we address the health and well-being of our veterans, military and their families?” The three students presented their essays at the auxiliary’s annual memorial dinner held at the Legion.

Gianna Veli was the winner in the Class I competition, which consisted of students in third and fourth grades. Gianna is a third-grade student.

Parker Miller took first place in the Class II category, which included students in fifth and sixth grades. Parker, a fifth-grade student, also won in the Council level that featured entries from Carbon, Lehigh, Monroe and Northampton counties; and he won second place in the state competition.

Connor Perry, a fifth-grade student, won first place in Category VI, which included students in fifth and grades.

Each of the essay winners received a monetary gift and a certificate.

Also in attendance was Kira Gruber, a student at Lehighton Area Middle School, who holds the title of “Miss Poppy.” The poppy became the official flower of the American Legion in 1920 to memorialize the soldiers who fought and died during the war.

The Americanism Essay Contest was created to teach students the value of patriotism and what it means to be Americans. Thousands of students in grades 3 to 12 participate in the program each year and help promote a lifelong respect of our flag and country. Grade levels are divided into six classes. One award in each of the six classes is presented in each division.