The Elks sponsored an essay contest earlier this year with the topic: “What Does Veteran’s Day Mean To Me”. Award winners were announced at a school assembly @ Valle Catholic on March 24.
Following is listing of students who placed at each level (all students at Valle Catholic):
1) Local Level for Ste. Gen. Elks Lodge #2674, Division 1 (5th and 6th Grade)—
(3rd Place) Lindsey Naeger, 5th Grade
(2nd Place) Riley Siebert, 5th Grade
(1st Place) Eva Oberle, 5th Grade
Division 2 (7th and 8th Grade)—–(3rd Place) Ericka Loida, 7th Grade
(2nd Place) Taylor Matthews, 7th Grade
(1st Place) Alivia Bauman, 7th Grade
2) These six winning essays were then forwarded to the East Central District for the District essay contest winners ( 9 Elks Lodges in East Central District). The nine Lodges had over 365 essays in the original contest at local levels. Placing at District were: Division 1 (5th and 6th Grade)——(1st Place) Riley Siebert. Division 2 (7th and 8th Grade) Ericka Loida.
3) The top two winners in Division 1 and 2 from District level statewide were then forwarded for competition for State winners. There are 74 Elks Lodges in the State of Missouri who received over 3,600 essays at the local level. Placing at State Elks Level was: Division 2 (7th and 8th Grade) Ericka Loida.
Ericka Loida recited her state-wide winning essay at the assembly. Plaques were awarded to each winner.
Pictured: Essay winners left to right
Riley Siebert, Lindsey Naeger, Eva Oberle, Alivia Bauman, Ericka Loida, and Taylor Matthews
Elks personnel: Kelly Sexauer, Randy Bahr, and Paul Viox.