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From left to right – Principal Christopher Jenkins, Jayme Hulet, Hannah Linge, Jerusha Bundy, and Larry Knievel, Elks Americanism Chair. Submitted photo.

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From left to right – Rick McDonald, Exalted Ruler, Jerusha Bundy, Larry Knievel, Elks Americanism Chair. Submitted photo.

Annually, the Mesquite Elks Lodge #2811 sponsors an Americanism Essay Contest for 5th grade students in all of the elementary schools within the Virgin Valley.  It is left up to each school administration and the 5th grade teachers to determine if they wish to encourage their students to participate.  Fortunately, the Joseph L. Bowler Elementary School Principal, Christopher Jenkins and his 5th grade teachers value this program and encourage their students to submit essays.  This year’s topic was “What The Pledge of Allegiance Means to Me.”  This very important Patriotic Contest gives school children the opportunity to express views on their pride in America.

At the end of year awards ceremony at Bowler Elementary School, Wednesday, June 3, 2015, the three winners were named.  The first place winner was Jerusha Bundy who was invited to read her essay to the entire student body, the teachers and family who were also in attendance.  She was awarded a First Place certificate and a check for $100.  In second place was Hannah Linge who was also awarded with a certificate and a check for $75.  And finally, Jayme Hulet was recognized with a 3rd place certificate and a check for $50.

The Mesquite Elks Lodge congratulates all of the students who participated in this year’s contest and, in particular, the three finalists who all wrote outstanding essays.  And, we want to thank the school administration and the fifth grade teachers who incorporated the important topic of Americanism into their already full curriculum.