Winners from the 2018 American Legion Auxiliary Americanism essay and poem contests were announced by the William Reeves Unit 7 Auxiliary.
For the essay contest, students were asked to write on the theme: “What Can I Personally Do to Promote Americanism in my school or community?”
Essay winners were Camdyn Fuchs, Madison School, first place; Teagan Lien, Madison School, second place; and Jeremy Hofer, Madison School, third place.
Those entering the poem contest were asked to write on the theme: “Thanks to our Veterans, Freedom Rings in South Dakota.”
Poetry winners were Ellie Puterbaugh, Holy Trinity Catholic School, first place; Karson Paye, Holy Trinity, second place; and Charlie Martin, Washington School, third place.
Their entries were sent to the American Legion Auxiliary District Office for judging.
Following are the winning essays and poems:

Essay Contest
Camdyn Fuchs, Madison School, first place
Most elementary school students say the Pledge of Allegiance every day, and that is how students show Americanism. Standing and saying the Pledge or singing the National Anthem supports our country, military, and everything that America represents. Because America represents freedom and happiness, it is important that we stand when saying the Pledge or singing the National Anthem and be very respectful to our country.
I can promote Americanism in my school by being a good role model and saying the Pledge with pride. I can also promote Americanism in my community by being a good role model and singing the National Anthem at sporting events like basketball and football.
I wish everyone in America would say the Pledge or sing the National Anthem every day. The flag is a symbol of our military. If I was in the military, I would want people to be respectful to me and my family. People in the military risk their lives every day when they are fighting for our country.
Americanism means standing up for America, supporting America, and respecting America’s flag in a nice way. Americanism also means showing respect all the time, not only on the Fourth of July. This is why it is important that students like me recite the pledge every day, show our Americanism, and respect our country.

Teagan Lien, Madison School, second place
I show Americanism by thanking everyone that served in the Military, especially my Dad. My Dad has been in the military for 22 years. He has deployed three times. A few months ago he got back from a deployment. A lot of people served with my Dad in the 153rd Engineer Battalion.
When you say “welcome home” or “thank you for serving,” it lets soldiers know we appreciate their sacrifice. That will make them proud for being in the military. When a military person is proud of being in the military, they will continue to serve our country, we will be safe and free. When you thank a service member, it makes soldiers feel good.
I also show Americanism when I do The Pledge of Allegiance for the flag and put my right hand over my heart. There are lots of ways to show Americanism.

Jeremy Hofer, Madison School, third place
One way I can promote Americanism is by thanking the American troops. The troops deserve to be thanked because of what they do to help America. They fight for our country and they help us to be free. One way we can thank them is that we could give thank you gifts. Another way is thank you cards. My class could all make thank you cards and my teacher could mail them to people who are in the army.
A second way that I can promote Americanism is by putting up the American flag on flagpoles. This shows our loyalty to America. In my classroom, we could say the Pledge of Allegiance to our flag because it shows love to our country.
A third way that I can promote Americanism is by praying for our country. We can pray to help our country to stay strong, we can pray for the Senators, the Governor and the President. We can also pray for our country to be safe.
I believe that America is a great, strong country. People should respect our country, and love living here.

Winning Poem entries

Ellie Puterbaugh, Holy Trinity Catholic School, first place
No slavery started because of our
Veterans in the Civil War. The United
States got the freedom. Before freedom people
got whipped and treated badly. There was racism.

Choosing our own religion got us that
Ability to do that from our veterans.
We still get to choose our religion today.
Thank you veterans for that ability.

Choosing our own jobs started because
Of our veterans. Choosing our own jobs
Is right because we might not
Like the job. So we do not have to do it.


Karson Paye, Holy Trinity,
second place
My parents have the freedom
To baptize me
I can go to a church for free
I can go to a Catholic school

I will be able to choose my own job
I have the opportunity to be a police officer
I have the opportunity to be a teacher
I have the opportunity to be a priest

I have the freedom to not be a slave
They probably couldn’t make living
Their kids will be lost in slavery
I am happy that I have that freedom.


Charlie Martin, Washington School, third place
The sky  is gray and rainy,
But they don’t care.
They have a smile on their face.
I think that means they care.

In South Dakota
the sky is nice;
But over there it’s
as gray as night.

Everyone is joyful and happy.
Why, you ask? All the soldiers are home …
Until they have to leave
for another round.

CONTRIBUTED
The American Legion Essay and Poem contest participants from Holy Trinity Catholic School are, front row, from left, Hayden Thelen, Angel Perez, Ellie Puterbaugh, Gerardo Herrera and Karson Paye; and in back, Dulce Ministro-Gutierrez, Karly Knippling, Kyla Peskey, Judy Stahly, Allison Lucklum, Chloe Carr and Sandra Mencke.