Tonganoxie USD 464 students and teachers were honored at the Tonganoxie VFW Post 9271 on Wednesday, January 31. Students received awards for their participation in the annual VFW essay contests, and three teachers received Teacher of the Year awards.
The annual Veterans of Foreign Wars Patriot's Pen essay contest "encourages young minds to examine America’s history, along with their own experiences in modern American society, by drafting a 300- to 400-word essay, expressing their views based on a patriotic theme chosen by the VFW Commander-in-Chief." This year’s theme was "How Are You Inspired by America?" 294 Tonganoxie Middle School students participated in the contest at the local post level. Eighth grader AJ Schulenberg was the first place winner. AJ's essay advanced to the district level, where she also won first place. Eighth grader Landon Fore was named the second place winner, and seventh grader Owen Murray received third place. Stella Pray, Bradley Alexander, and Elijah Weatherford all received honorable mentions.
The VFW Voice of Democracy audio-essay program "provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay." Tonganoxie High School freshman Abby Burkart took first place in the Voice of Democracy contest for her audio-essay on this year’s theme, “What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?” Abby’s essay advanced to the district level, where she won second place. Abbigail Clarkson, THS senior, won second place.
Diane Titterington, physical education teacher at Tonganoxie Elementary School, was named Teacher of the Year at the elementary level. Colton Graham, industrial arts teacher at Tonganoxie Middle School, was named Middle School Teacher of the Year. Mr. Graham advanced to the district level, where he also won first place. John Tollefson, Tonganoxie High School science teacher, won Teacher of the Year at the high school level.
Patriot’s Pen
1st Place
AJ Schulenberg
AJ was also the first place winner for District 1, Department of Kansas VFW.
2nd Place
Landon Fore
3rd Place
Owen Murray
Honorable Mention
Stella Pray
Bradley Alexander
Elijah Weatherford
Voice of Democracy
1st Place
Abby Burkart
Abby was also the second place winner for District 1, Department of Kansas VFW.
2nd Place
Abbigail Clarkson
Teacher of the Year
Elementary: Diane Titterington
Middle: Colton Graham
Mr. Graham was also the first place winner for District 1, Department of Kansas VFW.
High: John Tollefson
Congratulations to these deserving students and staff!
