Here's what's happening at the Post:

FRANKLIN LAKES STUDENT WINS
LOCAL AND COUNTY-WIDE ESSAY CONTEST

Her submission in the VFW sponsored Patriot’s Pen essay contest has won Melissa Ann Birnhak, an eighth grade student at the Franklin Avenue Middle School in Franklin Lakes, recognition by the local VFW post, as well as VFW District 2 (Bergen County). Steve Vreeland, Commander of VFW District 2 (Bergen County) and Doug Neralich, Adjutant of VFW Post 5702 (Oakland/ Franklin Lakes), both presented Melissa with a certificate and monetary awards at a meeting of the Franklin Lakes Board of Education held on February 2, 2009.

The Patriot's Pen, a youth-essay writing contest, is a nationwide competition that gives students in grades 6, 7, and 8 the opportunity to write essays expressing their views on democracy. Contestants write a 300-400 word essay based on an annual patriotic theme, and more than 115,000 students participate in the contest annually. This year’s theme was: Why America’s Veterans Deserve to Be Honored.

In her winning essay, Melissa noted, “I cannot imagine anything more important or emotionally moving than putting your life on the line for your country. That is why I believe that veterans who have served our nation are true heroes.”

Melissa’s essay now goes to the Department of NJ competition, and should she win at the NJ State VFW level, her essay will go to the National VFW competition in Washington, D.C.

Post 5702 sponsors this contest each year. It is open to students in grades 6, 7, and 8 in Oakland and Franklin Lakes. Details relating to this contest can be found on Post 5702’s website (www.vfwpost5702.org). Interested parties should click on the VFW for Students button.