Patriotism on the page at Port school

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5373 and its Auxiliary recently honored the local winners of the Patriot’s Pen essay program for students in sixth through eighth grades and the teachers who support it. This year’s theme was “What is Patriotism to Me.” (Top photo, from left) Post Quartermaster Jim Schmidt and Diane Burkhalter, Auxiliary chairman for youth activities and scholarships, presented awards to Thomas Jefferson Middle School students Maxim Ball, who took second place and advanced to district competition; Natalie Flanagan, first place and third in the district; Rosemarie Schowalter, honorable mention; Addison Heusdens, honorable mention; Marietta Knepfel, honorable mention; Lily Valentine, third place; Jessica Robertson, honorable mention; while Ron Schnorenberg, district chairman for the Patriot’s Pen program, and Commander Craig Heatwole congratulated them. Ball also advanced to the district contest. Not pictured were Samantha Hartline, Ella Yanke and Lily Weyker. The educators who were honored were (bottom photo, from left) Kristina Lak, Zachary Prohuska, Cynthia Reetz, Laura Rashid, Kathy Tubbs and T.J. Principal Steve Sukawaty.