OSMOND — Each year, the American Legion Auxiliary sponsors an Americanism essay contest for students in grades three through 12.
They are judged in five "classes:" third and fourth, fifth and sixth, seventh and eighth, ninth and tenth, and eleventh and twelfth.
This year, winners at the local level receive $25 for first place and $15 for second place. The five first-place essays were sent to American Legion Auxiliary Department in Lincoln for further judging. There is also competi tion at the national level.
Essay titles vary each year. The essay title for 2025 was "What does America the Beautiful mean to me (re garding veterans and our military)?" On Monday, March 17, at their regular monthly meeting, Legion Auxiliary Unit 326 awarded prizes for first and second places in each of the five classes. All essays were read
by students.
Winners were as follows:
Third and fourth grade: First, Rae- lynn Schieffer; second, Clara Steffen Fifth and sixth grade: First, Elliot Kumm; second, Sam Harder Seventh and eighth grade: First, Kendra Gardner; second, Gage Kri -
enert
Ninth and tenth grade: First, Donovan Heiman; second, Easton
Steinkraus
Eleventh and twelfth grade: First, Piper Hoffman; second, Meagan Wagner
