April 24, 2024

Legionnaires present awards to flag essay finalists

By HILARY FERRAND

Pictured, in front from left, are Brenda Hernandez, Dana Halsband, Addilyn Danley and Jenni and Caleb Danley, and in back are Isidro and Brenda Hernandez, Eric Barr, Steve Niebur, John Sharp, Dave Gorsline, Les VanHeeswyck and Brittany Vidales. (OST photo)

“Even though Betsy Ross sewed the first flag, she did not get any credit during her lifetime,” said Addilyn Danley, while reading from her winning speech Friday, Dec. 9, in the old gym of the Clarke Community Elementary School.

Danley took first place, selected from among 12 finalists for the American Legion of Iowa’s Fifth Grade Flag Essay Contest. Her entry will be submitted at the district level. The winner will be eligible for state consideration at the Mid-Winter Conference in February 2017.

Brenda Hernandez won second place and Dana Halsband placed third.

The annual contest challenges elementary students to learn more about the United States flag and flag etiquette. Fifth-grade reading teacher Brittany Vidales helped the children with their essays and chose the 12 finalists forwarded to American Legion Davis Pence Post No. 69.

“When we get the 12, we don’t have any names, so that takes favoritism out of it. After we get it picked, we get the names. It keeps things fair,” said Steve Niebur, who presented the awards along with fellow Legionnaires Eric Barr, John Sharp, Dave Gorsline and Les VanHeeswyck.

Even the parents aren’t given the winners’ names. The school contacts their families and encourages them to come to the presentation.