Print

Email story

Comment

Email editor

Top of the class

Achievements

By Times Staff Writer
Published February 23, 2005

Three local middle school students have been selected as winners in the Veterans of Foreign Wars District 9 annual Patriot's Pen essay contest.

Sarah Loftus and Christie Nowels, both from St. Paul's School, placed first and second, and Jade Gervasi from Madeira Beach Middle School finished third for writing on the theme "What Service to My Country Means to Me."

The organization has recognized four additional students in grades 8-12 for audio essays in its Voice of Democracy contest.

Amanda Allen from St. Petersburg High won first place, Elizabeth Barbey from Boca Ciega High placed second, and Nicole Banks and Christina Banks from Keswick Christian School took third and fourth place for responding to the theme "Celebrating Our Veterans' Service."

Essays of first-place winners in both contests have been submitted for state level judging. The essays could be eligible for national competition.

Laura Whitney Bernstein, a junior in the International Baccalaureate program at St. Petersburg High School, attended the Presidential Classroom's Presidential Inaugural Program Jan. 15-21 in Washington, D.C.

The weeklong program gave Bernstein the opportunity to meet members of Congress, presidential appointees, senior military officials and top business leaders. She also participated in the 55th presidential inauguration.

Erik Johanson, a junior in the Center for Advanced Technologies at Lakewood High School, won an American Legion department of Florida 16th district oratorical contest, representing Cross Bayou Post 252.

He also was a runnerup in the American Legion's area contest for an original speech titled "The Right to Bear Arms."

Johanson is an honor roll student and a member of Lakewood High's debate team.

[Last modified February 23, 2005, 00:34:19]