ROBINSON ELEM SCHOOL PROGRAM 2009

Members from Unit and Post 121 with the National Essay Award Winner, Amanda Alsip and her parents

Mary Hueske, Americanism Chrm presents Amanda with her Nat'l Certificate

Ms Collinsworth reads Amanda's essay to the assembly

Unit President Hilde Neumann presents Amanda with a replica of a $100.00 check she will receive from the Nat'l Organization for being a winner on the National level

Amanda with her 3rd grade teacher Ms Collinsworth

Amanda with Principle Tamara Roznos of Robinson Elementary School

James A. Edmond American Legion Auxiliary Unit 121 in Waco hosted their 9th annual Essay contest with Robinson Elementary School in May 2009. The national theme this year was “Soldiers, Past and Present…America, Honor Your Veterans” and 142 3rd grade students participated.
The Americanism committee at Unit 121 selected 5 winners from each classroom to receive awards at the local level, which included 1st, 2nd, 3rd places and two honorable mentions. One essay was then chosen at the local level from the 1st place winners and was forwarded to the State Americanism Chairman for competition. From all the state entries received, the State Americanism committee chose one winner to be entered into the Nat’l competition for overall “Best Essay.”
James A. Edmond Unit 121 and Robinson Elementary School are proud to announce that Amanda Alsip was selected as the National winner in Class I, 3rd and 4th Grades, for “Best Essay.” Robinson School honored Amanda for her accomplishment at an assembly held on September 28, 2009 where she was presented with her National award. Amanda’s family was in attendance to see her receive the award as well as the entire 4th grade class and members from James A. Edmond Post and Unit 121. Amanda will also receive $100.00 cash as part of her award.
Mary Hueske, Unit 121, started the essay program at Robinson Elementary with the help of two dedicated 3rd grade teachers, Ms Nering and Ms Evans. The program started out small with only the presentation of the local awards and had only two classes participating, but has now grown to include 8 classes, the video “United We Stand,” a Veterans in the Classroom section, and a “Meet my Military Family Member” section, where the students introduce the veterans in their families to the assembly with pictures and stories.
What an honor for Unit 121 to sponsor a National winner. Unit 121 is extremely proud of Amanda and hopes the program continues for many years to come so American Legion Auxiliary Unit 121 can be a part of helping to educate today’s children and tomorrow’s leaders.

AMANDA’S ESSAY:
Veteran is someone who has served our country as a soldier. Soldiers are important because they protect both our country and it’s citizens. Soldiers go out in Iraq to save our lives. If we did not have them we probably would not be here right now. They leave their family and their children for us. Who are they? They are heroes, they are dads, grandparents, brothers or sisters, cousins, neighbors and one day you might be one if you want to. Ways we thank our veterans are donate to Veterans hospitals, and send care packages to soldiers. Honor them with medals and badges. Let them come home to see their family and say thank you. Sacrifice is when a person gets killed for someone else. Soldiers and Veterans keep our country great. Soldiers and Veterans, always be thankful for their service. Soldiers have to go to the Marines to train to go to the army. I have a brother who is in the Marines and I miss him everyday just as I know you miss your brother or sister. Soldier are important because if we did not have them our country would be in danger and nobody wants that to happen, and I know that they will make the world a better place.

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Awards:

All winners received a Certificate
3rd and 2nd Place winners received a comic book
1st Place winners received a Flag that has flown over the United State Capital in their honor

Ms. Chudej’s Class
Honorable Mention: Cooper Hale and Madilyn Hill - 3rd Place: Abby Mills - 2nd Place: Jordan Thompson - 1st Place: Brayden Christensen

Ms. Evans Class
Honorable Mention: Madeline Crum and Mason Cooper - 3rd Place: Cassidy Green - 2nd Place: Victoria Lopez - 1st Place: Annie Franks

Ms. Nering’s Class
Honorable Mention: Faith Butler and Chase Gentry - 3rd Place: Daniel Barnard - 2nd Place: Taragan Kennedy - 1st Place: Tailan Harbour

Ms. Collinsworth’s Class
Honorable Mention: Michael White and Noah Wingate - 3rd Place: Katy Brittain - 2nd Place: April Deleon
1st Place: Amanda Alsip *** National Essay Contest Winner

Ms. Colclasure’s Class
3rd Place: Spencer Allen - 2nd Place: Hannah Richardson - 1st Place: Rayna Parks

Ms. Brown’s Class
Honorable Mention: Sebastian Galvan and Gabriel Olvera - 3rd Place: Weston Cogburn - 2nd Place: Lauren Aleman - 1st Place: Madison Huffman

Ms. Engel’s Class
Honorable Mention: Kaylee Yates and Traneicea White-Smith - 3rd Place: Travis Williams - 2nd Place: Reid Terry - 1st Place: James Pitcher

Ms. Fowler’s Class
Honorable Mention: Kendall Simpson and Ryan Pack - 3rd Place: Baxter Kay - 2nd Place: Hannah Fuentes - 1st Place: Vickie Taylor