The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

WAITSBURG-The Waitsburg Post 35 sponsored an American Essay Contest to students at Waitsburg Schools. The contest was a way for students to think about their country. The theme for this year's competition was "Our American Flag."

For the competition, students in grades 1 through 3 were challenged to use the image of our flag to create an art project. Students in grades 4 through 12 were asked to write an essay about the history of the flag, the way to display the flag properly, or other facts about the flag. Each of the winners received a $100 gold bill awarded in four age groups.

On December 10, the middle school and high school students met in the high school auditorium, where local commander, Ron Standring, thanked the students who participated and shared some great essays submitted. Standring spoke to the students about Pearl Harbor Day and shared some facts about the American flag. Stranding was accompanied by his wife, Cindy, who is also a veteran.

The Standrings announced that 10th grader Abbi Paolino won the $100 gold bill in the 9-12 grade group. The gold bill for the 6-8 grade group was awarded to 7th grader Hannah Peralez.

Karen Huwe

Later that afternoon, the elementary assembled in the multi-purpose room with the Standrings. Ron shared facts about the flag with the students. He awarded a gold bill to 3rd grader Byron Boshart for his drawing of a flag on a combine. In the 4-5 grade group, Ollivyr Dahlby had the winning essay and was cheered by his classmates when he received his $100 gold bill.

Cindy Standring said she was inspired by the students' heartfelt love for our country and respect for those who fought and died for our great country. She also loved how the students' knowledge of our flag, its origins, and our country's history and heritage were instilled in the essays.

The Standrings encouraged all students to participate in next year's contest for a chance to win a $100 gold bill.