Pella Middle School students received recognition for writing essays through local VFW Patriot’s Pen contests.

2024 Patriot Pen placements at Pella Post 5242 (each won a cash prize, listed next to their names):
1st – Joanna Vande Voort – “The Voices of America” – 7th grade – $100.00
2nd – Grace Wadey – “My Voice in America’s Democracy?” – 8th grade – $75.00
3rd – Madeline Steenhoek – “My Voice in America’s Democracy?” – 7th grade – $50.00
4th – Lily Zimmerman – “My Voice in America’s Democracy” – 7th grade – $50.00
5th – Lark Thomas – “I Will Use My Voice” – 7th grade – $50.00
6th – Milani Van Haaften – “My Voice in America’s Democracy?” – 7th grade – $50.00

Post 4716-sponsored winners:
1st Place – Jonah Dunham – “My Voice in America’s Democracy” – 7th grade – $100.00
2nd Place – Anni Winward – “One Flag, one Land, one Heart, One Hand, one Nation Evermore” – 7th grade – $75.00

The students were asked to write about their thoughts related to the country and patriotism, with the theme of “Is America Today Our Forefathers’ Vision?”. Hear from those students here: