Essay Contest Winners Explain: "Why I am Proud to be an American"

Eatontown students took a page from Lee Greenwood’s songbook and were honored Monday night at the board of education meeting for essays they wrote extolling the virtues of living in the land of the free.

Representatives from Eatontown Elks Lodge 2402 presented gift cards to 12 students whose essays on “Why I am Proud to be an American” were selected from 450 submitted entries in this year’s contest.

Students in grades 5-8 participated in the contest with three winners selected at each grade level. The first place winner in each grade received a $100 gift card; second place winners received $50 gift cards; and third place winners were presented with $25 gift cards.

Dan Ballasy, exalted ruler of the Eatontown lodge, said that the winning pieces were sent to troops stationed overseas as a reminder of how their efforts are appreciated back at home.

Ballasy said the sentiments behind the essays, “not only touch the lives of the students, but also touches the troops collectively.”

Justice Mills, leading knight of the Eatontown Elks, joined Ballasy to present contest winners with their prizes.

The following is a list on the winners of the 2011 Elks Lodge 2402 Essay Contest:

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