Oak Knoll Fifth Grader Earns Second in Summit Essay Contest

SUMMIT, NJ — A Summit fifth grader at Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child, won second place in the Summit Elks Lodge No. 1246 Americanism Essay Contest on the subject of the importance of voting.

Lucy Duttenhofer, class of 2024, earned the second place finish among her division of fifth- and sixth-grade students, earning praise and a 2016 United States Silver Eagle Coin for her one-page essay.

“Especially in light of these challenging political times, it renews our faith in the future of democracy when the next generation understands the importance of voting,” said Leslie Smith, Lower School social studies teacher. “I am so proud of Lucy. It’s active citizenship in action.”

Duttenhofer’s essay, along with others honored at an Elks ceremony Jan. 29 in Summit, will be submitted to the Americanism Chairman of the East Central District for further consideration. Winners at the district level will then be forwarded on for state and, potentially, national consideration.

For more information about Oak Knoll, visit www.oakknoll.org or call 908-522-8109.

(Photo provided: Oak Knoll fifth grader Lucy Duttenhofer ’24 (far right) is recognized with other essay contestants during a Summit Elks ceremony Sunday in Summit.)

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