TAMMY COAKLEY/THE EXPRESS Elise Brungart, a fourth grade student in Mrs. Prella Smith’s classroom at Liberty Curtin Elementary in Blanchard, was the winner of the 2026 Americanism Essay Contest sponsored by the Beech Creek American Legion Auxiliary.

BEECH CREEK — The Beech Creek American Legion Auxiliary sponsored an Americanism Essay Contest earlier this year for students in third and fourth grade. Sixteen fourth grade students in Dr. Lana Weaver and Mrs. Prella Smith’s classrooms at Liberty Curtin Elementary entered the contest.

This year’s essay theme was “Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday and the Veterans who Fought for Our Freedom,”

The students and their families were invited to a pizza party dinner on the evening of March 31. After enjoying pizza, vegetable and fruit trays — food and desserts provided by the legion auxiliary members — the students read their essays aloud to those gathered.

Legion Auxiliary President Sharon Miller presented each of the children who wrote an essay with a certificate of participation for their writing efforts. Those not placing in the contest each received a $10 cash award.

The third place winner of the essay contest was Madelynne Quick, who received a $25 cash award.

Huntlee Morningstar earned a $50 cash award for his essay that took second place in the contest.

Elise Brungart won first place for her essay. Elise is the daughter of Mark Brungart, of the Marsh Creek area of Howard. She is a student in Mrs. Smith’s classroom.

This is the essay Elise wrote for the contest that earned her a first place award of $100:

“Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday and the Veterans who Fought for Our Freedom”

Wow! I cannot believe America is turning 250 years old. That is a very exciting celebration. When I think about America reaching this important birthday, I realize it is because of the veterans and the men and women who currently serve in the military. They have sacrificed so much to keep our country free and safe. Even though many veterans no longer serve, they are still proud of the work they did and honored to protect America’s freedom.

Veterans are special because they are willing to risk their lives for people they may never meet. They give up time with their families and put others before themselves. Because of their bravery, we are able to live freely and celebrate important moments like America’s 250th birthday.

I do not know exactly what kind of celebration America has planned for this monumental event, but I believe it should be big and exciting. It should honor all veterans and current members of the military. It is our duty as Americans to appreciate our country and say thank you to those who served in the past and those who serve today. We should always remember that our freedom is possible because of them.