“What is an American?” was the essay theme the VFW asked elementary students to write about last fall. Commander Mike Miller (left) and Jr. Vice Commander Ralph Henry from the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Maple Valley/Black Diamond Post No. 5052, presented the awards to the top six students at Black Diamond Elementary for their winning essays.

During a school assembly on Friday, Dec. 16, the six students received a certificate and a check from the VFW Commanders. Award winning students are: (L-R front row) Max Hesselgesser, Tristan Thomson, Zane Eilers, Jensen Davis, Gabriel Noel and (back row) Kristeena Thacker. All students are 5th graders at BDE, except Zane who is a 3rd grader.

Max and Jensen both received 1st place awards and read their essays to the audience of students, staff and parents at the assembly. Jensen represented Post 5052 at a regional competition and received 3rd place.

Thank you BD/MV VFW and Congratulations BDE students!

Photo Credit: Johna Thomson