Lila Harvey wins essay award

Lila Harvey is presented with her award from Dan Todd, of the Grass Lake VFW.

Every year the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) holds a writing contest for sixth, seventh, and eighth-graders called “Patriot’s Pen.” They also hold a similar essay writing contest for high schoolers, called “The Voice of Democracy.”

This contest allows students an opportunity to express their opinion on a patriotic theme. A different theme is chosen each year. Last year, more than 120,000 students participated. The grand prize winner receives a $5,000 prize, plus an all-expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C.

Manchester seventh-grader Lila Harvey learned about the contest when her parents attended a Cub Scout leaders meeting and a representative from the VFW attended to promote the event to Manchester scouts. Although Lila is obviously not in Cub Scouts, her mother said she loves to write and they took home an application and let her decide whether to enter.

Although she won’t be receiving the grand prize, Lila is this year’s winner for Post 10194 in Grass Lake. Lila is the daughter of Steven and Rebecca Harvey of Manchester. The theme for the contest was “What Makes America Great” and Lila included unity, music and freedom.

She wrote about how the whole country bands together in times of trouble like we did after the September 11 attacks. She talked about how this country is full of great music and musicians that have provided so much entertainment through their expression. Music also helps so many, including children with disabilities and infants, to soothe, lessen anxiety, and reduce stress. And of course, America is great because of all the freedoms we are afforded here.

The essay was to be 300-400 words and was judged on knowledge of the theme, theme development, and clarity of ideas. Lila’s essay won first place for the VFW Post in Grass Lake and she received a certificate and award at their monthly meeting on January 17. She was also invited to enter the contest again next year.

Congratulations, Lila!

Lila Harvey is pictured with her family, along with Blake Coskie and family. Blake was the winner of the high school level essay contest, “The Voice of Democracy.” Dan Todd, coordinator of the program for the Grass Lake VFW #10194, is also pictured. Photos courtesy of Rebecca Harvey.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.