Lindenhurst Middle School Students Place In VFW Essay Contest

LINDENHURST, NY — Five Lindenhurst Middle School students were recently celebrated for placing in the national Veterans of Foreign Wars Patriot’s Pen Essay contest.

The Lindenhurst Union Free School District announced Thursday that Natalia Luberska, Victoria Ogilvie, Ryan Ronessi, Sophia Crisostomo and Matthew Bossong were recognized by the Wade-Burn Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7279 for their for their contributions to the national essay contest.

Luberska placed first while Ogivile placed second, the district said. Ronessi, Crisostomo, and
and Bossong tied for third place.

This year, student essays reflected the theme, “How can I be a good American?” In her prize-winning essay, Luberska emphasized the importance of treating every person with equality.

“Every American should also know our basic rights. This comes in hand with respecting one another," Luberska wrote. "Good Americans shouldn’t discriminate against others. We are all trying to make America a better place so it’s a step we should take to be good citizens.”

Each year more than 165,400 students in grades six through eight enter the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen youth essay contest for a chance to win their share of more than $1.4 million in state and national awards.