Rockdale Citizen

CONYERS -- Two Rockdale County middle schoolers recently were honored for special essays.

Davis Middle School eighth-graders Asa Walden and Kaitlyn Peoples were recognized recently by the Conyers VFW Post 5290 as second- and third-place winners in the 2011-12 Patriot's Pen Essay Contest.

Both students received cash prizes and certificates rewarding their accomplishments.

The Patriot's Pen program is open to students in grades six through eight, who are enrolled in a public, private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States and its territories.

The deadline for the 2011-12 program was Nov. 1.

Students asked a teacher or youth group leader to supervise their progress in the competition. Then students contacted a local participating VFW Post and established a contact person who is a member of that Post or its Ladies Auxiliary.

Next, it was time to start drafting considering the 2011-12 theme: "Are You Proud of Your Country?"

Essays were no less than 300 words and did not exceed 400 words and were submitted to the post, along with the completed Patriot's Pen entry form.

Knowledge of the theme was worth 30 points. They had to show a thorough knowledge of the theme in their work and demonstrate that they researched the issue extensively.

Theme development was worth 35 points. They had to answer all relevant facts about the theme, such as the who, what, where, when and why and relate the theme to their own experiences.

Clarity of ideas was worth 35 points. They had to write their essays in an easy-to-understand format and leave their readers with a clear understanding of their explanation of the theme.

The theme for 2012-13 will be announced in February.