Edgewood Middle School (EMS) teacher Abbi Richcreek announced her eighth-grade student Ellie Greene won a $500 award in a contest held by the Veterans of Foreign Warsaw (VFW) Post 1126.
This is the fifth year Richcreek’s students entered the writing contest, according to a news release from Warsaw Community Schools. Last year’s winner was Lillian Dunbar. 2021’s winner was Gwen Bowman. 2020’s winner was Aeva Ashenfelter. 2019’s winner was Haley Rodewald.
This contest is held at the local, regional, state and national levels. Students wrote a 300 to 400 word essay that expressed their thoughts on this year’s annual theme: How are you inspired by America?
Richcreek is a Project Lead The Way teacher at EMS who is passionate about inspiring her students to take full advantage of opportunities to grow, stated the release. The essay was not a classroom or homework assignment, but rather an invitation to go above and beyond.
Richcreek thanks all student participants for giving their time and talent to write the essay, stated the release.
The award was presented by Bob Dockery, senior vice president of the VFW, and Kirby LeMond, president of the VFW Auxlliary.
Ken Archer, current commander, said, “During the selection process, Ellie’s essay moved people, veterans and auxiliary members. Her essay was outstanding.”
Greene said, "I've wanted to be a teacher since I was a little girl, so I'm excited to put some of it towards my education!"
The essay website is https://vfwar.org/di/vfw/v2/default.asp?pid=79992