Each year, the entire Randolph-Macon Academy Middle School participates in the Patriot’s Pen Competition sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Ladies Auxiliary. This year, the theme was “Why I Appreciate America’s Veterans.”
Randolph-Macon Academy Middle School students won the top three prizes in the post-level competition, which was sponsored by Front Royal VFW Post 1860. Seventh grade student J.B. of Virginia won first place and a prize of $100 in the contest. Jacob Gehly, a seventh grade student from Front Royal, won second place and $50. Third place honors and the $25 prize went to Griffin Loper, an eighth grade student from Winter Haven, Florida. The awards were presented by Quarter Master/Adjutant Scott Simmons of Front Royal Post 1860.
The contest is open to all students in grades 6-8 enrolled in a public, private, or parochial school or homeschooling program in the U.S. and its territories. Winners at the post level go on to compete at the district level. Those winners go on to compete at the state level, and state winners go on to compete at the national level, vying for the grand prize of $5,000 or one of the other 45 prizes awarded. Over 100,000 students compete each year.