---

North Branch Area Middle School students Amelia Lattimore (1st place),  Athena DeFlorin (2nd place), and Jayden Norwig (3rd place), were recognized on Veterans Day for their efforts in the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen youth essay contest. Lattimore will move on to the regional competition. Regional winners have the opportunity to move on to the state and national competitions. First place received a check for $50, and second and third place received a check for $25.

Patriot’s Pen encourages students to think about American history and their experiences in modern American society by writing a 300- to 400-word essay. The theme for this year’s contest is “How can I be a good American?”

Pictured (l to r): Kevan Swenson, Larry Lattimore, winner Amelia Lattimore, Carl Anderson, 3rd place Jayden Norwig, Dean Phillips, 2nd place Athena DeFlorin, Jim Krogstad, and Matt Thelander.

---