Selah Students Have the "Write" Stuff!

A quartet of Selah students definitely have the “write” stuff as they were honored last week for their patriotic words and voices.

Participating in the Yakima VFW Post 379 Patriot’s Pen essay contest, three Selah Middle School students were celebrated for their written work. In following this year’s theme, “My Voice in America’s Democracy,” seventh grader, Daphne Templet, received first place honors for her essay. Alexis Vinsant, also a seventh-grade student, earned second place recognition, while her classmate, Alayna Applegate, received the third-place prize. Additionally, Selah Middle School teacher, Kelly Mattson, was honored by the VFW with the “Teacher of the Year” Award. The Patriot’s Pen essay contest is an annual event for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students which encourages learners to examine America’s history, along with their experiences in society and craft an essay expressing their views related to the contest theme.

At the high school level, Selah High School senior, Drew Lukas, was recognized by the VFW for his written and vocal work in the Voice of Democracy contest. Following this year’s theme, “Is America Today Our Forefathers Vison,” Drew earned third place honors. The Voice of Democracy contest is a written and recorded audio essay for students in grades 9-12, which encourages them to study history and examine against current times and express themselves patriotically.

Congratulations to Daphne, Alexis, Alayna, Drew, and Mr. Mattson! Thank you to the VFW for their work with students!