Dakota Kidder, eighth grade student at Sanborn Central School, Forestburg, won the 2014 Patriot's Pen Essay competition.
Second place was awarded to Tristen Hildebrandt, and third to Brooke Flemmer, both of Mitchell Middle School.
Kidder received a $100 scholarship award and a Patriot's Pen pin at a recent ceremony at her school. Her essay was forwarded to the district competition.
Mitchell's Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2750, Mitchell, and its Auxiliary sponsor the Patriot's Pen essay contest. Middle School students in grades six through eight in the area have the opportunity to compete in the VFW's annual essay competition and win scholarships.
Each year, more than 112,000 students participate in Patriot's Pen essay competition. Students are invited to write a 300-400 word essay on a patriotic theme. This year's theme was, "Why I appreciate America's veterans."
