Patriotic Essay Contest Nov-Dec 2011

Patriotic Essay Contest Nov-Dec 2011

Three Oaks Middle School

The Knights of Columbus Color Corps of the 4th Degree from Our Lady of the Rosary Assembly #2542 presented the winners of their Patriotic Essay Contest at Three Oaks Middle School on December 5. Connie Harris, Language Arts teacher, headed the project for the school under the supervision of Principal Michael Carson, and coordinated the combined Language Arts and Social Science faculties. The Knights developed a patriotic-themed topic for the subject of the essay contest, and this year it was the Thomas Jefferson quote

“Patriotism is not a short frenzied burst of emotion, but the long and steady dedication of a lifetime.” The students were asked to develop the topic in a 300 word composition. Mr. Nathan Pugh, Assistant Principal was MC of the award presentation and introduced the Knights to the students assembled in the band room. Sir Knight Patrick Becker, who chaired the event for the Knights of Columbus introduced his fellow presenters Knights S/K Edward Sedillo, Faithful Navigator of the Assembly, and S/K James Ripley, Faithful Pilot of the Assembly, and then proceeded to give summary information about the Knights and the essay contest. After the introduction, Mr. Becker called the winners to receive their awards. The top five essays, as selected by the school and judged by the Knights, were written by:

Jamie Cheaw -- First Place

Nicole Bravo -- Second Place

Jamie Harris -- Third Place

Min Xian Lee -- Finalist

Logan Baker-- Finalist

Each of the winners received a personalized award certificate as well as monetary consideration. 1st place:$100, 2nd place:$60, 3rd place:$40. Finalists each received a McDonald’s gift card. Jamie Cheaw then read her winning essay aloud and the ceremony concluded with Mrs. Michelle DeVall, Band Instructor, conducting the band’s playing of “Kitty Hawk March.”

Bonita Springs Middle School

On Friday, December 2, three members of the Color Corps of the Knights of Columbus presented awards to the winners of the Patriotic Essay Contest on the morning show at Bonita Springs Middle School. The Patriotic Essay Contest is sponsored by the 4th Degree Knights, the patriotic order of the Knights of Columbus, particularly by Assembly #2542 located in Bonita Springs. This was a joint effort with Principal Linda Mitchell, and the combined Language Arts and Social Science faculties. The project was headed by Language Arts instructor Kenner Muench.

The Knights developed a patriotic-themed topic for the subject of the essay contest, and this year it was the Thomas Jefferson quote “Patriotism is not a short frenzied burst of emotion, but the long and steady dedication of a lifetime.” The students were asked to develop the topic in a 300 word composition and the student-citizens at Bonita Springs Middle School produced some very well-written essays. The top five essays, as selected by the school and judged by the Knights, were written by:

Nicole Patel -- First Place

Blake Gilliland -- Second Place

Ashlyn Wittrock -- Third Place

Cory Kolbe -- Finalist

Chelsea Heil-- Finalist

Each of the winners received a personalized award certificate as well as monetary consideration. 1st place:$100, 2nd place:$60, 3rd place:$40. Finalists each received a McDonald’s gift card.

Appearing in the above group photo are:

Front Row Left to Right: Nicole Patel, Blake Gilliland, Cory Kolbe, Chelsea Heil.

Back Row: Sir Knight James Ripley, S/K Patrick Becker, S/K Edward Sedillo.

Appearing in the other above photo is 1st place winner Nicole Patel and Assembly 2542 Faithful Navigator Edward Sedillo.

(Photos by Bonita Springs student Maddie Gross)

North Naples Middle School

On Tuesday, November 29, the Knights of Columbus presented awards to the winners of the Patriotic Essay Contest on the morning show with Assistant Principal Ryan Nemeth at North Naples Middle School. The Patriotic Essay Contest is sponsored by the 4th Degree Knights, the patriotic order of the Knights of Columbus, particularly by Assembly #2542 located in Bonita Springs. This was a joint effort with Principal Margaret Jackson and the instructional staff, and the project was headed by Jennifer Lazar, Language Arts Department Chair.

As it does every year, the Knights developed a patriotic-themed topic for the subject of the essay contest, and this year was the Thomas Jefferson quote: “Patriotism is not a short frenzied burst of emotion, but the long and steady dedication of a lifetime.” The students were asked to develop the topic in a 300 word composition.

Our young citizens produced some extremely well-written essays. The top five essays at North Naples Middle School, as selected by the school and judged by the Knights, were written by:

Noah Evans -- First Place

Gabriel Breakstone -- Second Place

Michaela Kivett -- Third Place

Mara Coolidge -- First Finalist

Timothy Kane-- Second Finalist

Each of the winners received a personalized award certificate as well as monetary consideration. 1st place:$100, 2nd place:$60, 3rd place:$40, 4th and 5th place each received a McDonald’s gift card.

Appearing in the above photo are:

Front Row Left to Right: Timothy Kane, Mara Coolidge, Michaela Kivett, Gabriel Breakstone, Noah Evans

Back Row: Sir Knight Ed Sedillo, S/K Jim Ripley, S/K Pat Becker

(Photo by Ryan Nemeth)

Royal Palm Academy

Veterans Day in the courtyard tent of Royal Palm Academy in North Naples was the scene as students and their grandparents, staff, and faculty gathered in a special patriotic ceremony honoring veterans and grandparents. Special guests included the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus from Our Lady of the Rosary Assembly #2542 located in Bonita Springs. Three members of the Color Corps of the Assembly presented awards to writers of the top five student essays for the Knights-sponsored patriotic essay contest in the 2011-2012 school year.

The essay contest was a joint effort with the staff and faculty of Royal Palm Academy headed by principal Dr. Margaret Richardson and was co-ordinated by Dean of Students Scott Baier. Karen Evans assisted in the arrangements.

This year’s patriotic-themed topic for the subject of the essay contest was the Thomas Jefferson quote: “Patriotism is not a short frenzied burst of emotion, but the long and steady dedication of a lifetime.” The middle-school segment of students of Royal Palm Academy developed the theme into a 300 word essay.

The students submitted many well-written essays, which made the judging very difficult. A final decision had to be made, however, and the winners were:

Serena Kauffman 1st Place

Maximilian Kirk 2nd Place

Rachael Rich 3rd Place

Noelle Torres Finalist

Isabella Rodriguez Finalist

Each of these writers received a personalized award certificate as well as monetary consideration. 1st place: $100, 2nd place:$60, 3rd place:$40. Finalists each received a McDonald’s gift card.