Launch the media gallery 1 playerSubmitted by Patty Locher
Emma Popkess is VFW contest state winner At Sabetha Memorial Post 7285 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ awards presentation Wednesday evening, February 8, Chuck Leivan, Patriot’s Pen Chairman for Kansas VFW First District, presents Emma Popkess of Sabetha with a framed “Outstanding Young Spokesperson of the Future” certificate, a check for $100 from First District and a check for $250 for her VFW Department of Kansas win in the annual Patriot’s Pen essay contest. Popkess, whose essay was one of two forwarded by Post 7285 in November, was announced as First District winner and then as Department of Kansas winner. Popkess earlier received a $50 award from Post 7285. Her state-level win automatically makes Popkess a national winner, which will net her a scholarship between $500 and $5,000. Her national win also means she is ineligible to enter the 2017-18 contest.Kansas VFW announces Patriot's Pen winner
Kansas VFW announces Patriot's Pen winner
Submitted by Patty Locher, Sabetha VFW Memorial Post 7285
Kansas Department of the Veterans of Foreign Wars recently announced the 2016-2017 Department (state) winner of the VFW’s annual Patriot’s Pen essay contest, which invites middle school students to submit an essay on the given theme for the year. This year’s theme was “The America I Believe In.”
The Department of Kansas first-place winner is Emma Popkess, a seventh-grade student at Sabetha Middle School, daughter of Matt and Janelle Popkess. Popkess’ essay was one of two forwarded to district level from Sabetha Memorial Post 7285. Her essay was selected as First District’s winner and was forwarded to Department level, where it subsequently was declared the winner.
Each post may forward one entry for every 15 entries or fraction thereof. Because Post 7285 received a total of 29 entries, the Post was entitled to forward two entries, Popkess’ and Jonathan Knapp’s essays, to Kansas VFW’s First District for district-level competition.
Below is Popkess’ winning essay.
The America I Believe In
By Emma M. Popkess
The America I Believe In is the greatest country in the world. As an American, I have many freedoms and opportunities that people in other countries will never experience. Our country has had many struggles and fought many battles to get to where we are today. We are a free country and we must protect our freedom.
The America I Believe In has active military personnel and veterans that have sacrificed everything to protect us. Several years ago for a class project, I interviewed a World War II veteran. It was an eye opening experience. During the interview, the veteran shared his personal experiences, struggles, and some of the horrors that he saw during the war. After the interview, I felt honored to have met him. His sacrifices and courage have helped shape this great country.
The America I Believe In gives me many freedoms which include freedom of speech, religion, and assembly. Our government and The Constitution protect my freedoms. The Declaration of Independence provides me with the unalienable rights of Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. In many countries, people do not have these same freedoms and rights. They live in fear.
The America I Believe In should be a respectful country. This means showing respect by not kneeling or sitting during our national anthem. Also, when we see military personnel or veterans, we need to thank them for their service. I am saddened when I hear of people being disrespectful to our national symbol of freedom, the American Flag. During the presentation of our flag, every American needs to stand at attention, place his hand over his heart, and show his love for this great country.
The America I Believe In is one of opportunity to be who you want to be and freedom to do what you want to do. Our nation is a strong nation because of great leaders and people who have sacrificed and given so much for us. The America that I Believe In is an incredible place to live and I am proud to be an American citizen. I will strive every day to make America proud of me. As Abraham Lincoln said, “I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live, so that his place, will be proud of him.”
Late Work Policy
Any assignment not submitted when due will be considered late and will be recorded as a temporary zero. The student will have until the next meeting of that class to submit the assignment for maximum 60% credit. If the assignment is not submitted by the start of the next meeting of the class, the zero in the grade book will become permanent. This policy applies to all daily work and long term unit research projects. Students who are habitually late with their class work may face being assigned to after school Power Hour to make up that work.
