Schools
Ridge Middle School Students Win VFW Essay Contest
You can read Elizabeth Brassell and Connor Cantrick's award-winning essays – 'Does Patriotism Still Matter?' and 'Why I Say No to Drugs' – right here
Two seventh-graders from and one of their teachers were recognized by VFW Post 9295 in Mentor.
Elizabeth Brassell and Connor Cantrick wrote the best essays for the post's annual writing contest, Post Commander Bud Spreng said.
Elizabeth wrote about her family's multigenerational military service in her essay, "Does Patriotism Still Matter?" And Connor wrote about the physical and emotional consequences of addiction in "Why I Say 'No' to Drugs."
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Spreng thanked Elizabeth and Connor and encouraged the students of Ridge Middle School to keep writing.
"You're the future leaders of the country and we'd like to hear your views," he said.
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Elizabeth and Connor received a plaque and a check from the post for winning. Spreng demurred when asked how much the check was worth.
Ridge teacher Jason Holy was also named Teacher of the Year by the Ohio VFW's District 7. That district covers Lake, Geauga, Cuyahoga, Ashtabula and Medina counties.
The award-winning essays from Elizabeth and Connor are attached to this story as PDF files. Click on the View Gallery link to read them.
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