The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8971 and Ladies Auxiliary each year host and sponsor an Americanism essay contest for Eunice students.
Students from all Eunice elementary, junior high and high schools enter and participate in the contest.
First, second and third place winners were awarded for their creativity and originality of the essays and drawings. They received cash and trophies.
The awards ceremony was held Feb. 26 at the Eunice VFW 190 East Hall.
Some of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8971 and Auxiliary members were present. Handing out trophies and cash prizes were Bernita Briscoe, Auxiliary treasurer and chairperson of Americanism and Voice of Democracy; Linda Thibodeaux, Auxiliary president; Roger Veillon, commander of the post; Gene Olivier, District 7 commander; and Terry Matte, quartermaster of district and post.
Students winning first place receive $50, second place $35 and third place is awarded with a $25. District winners won $100.
The following is a list of all winners with the respective schools:
Category 1, Kindergarten, Americanism (Coloring of the American flag)
Jaylee Johnson, East Elementary, first place;
Gabriel Comeaux, East Elementary, second place;
Troyce Jackson, East Elementary, third place.
Category 2, First and Second grades: Americanism (A drawing and coloring of the American flag)
London Davy, East Elementary, first place;
Aiyana Guillory, East Elementary, second place;
Kynadee Johnwell, East Elementary, third place.
Category 3, Third and Fourth grades: Americanism (Drawing of a historical event)
Briley Leger, East Elementary; first place;
Desiree Arceneaux, East Elementary, second place;
Craig Dupre, St. Edmund Elementary, third place.
Category 4, Americansim essay, Fifth grade, “How I Honor Veterans.”
Vivian Broussard, St. Edmund Elementary, first place;
Preslee Perron, St. Edmund, second place;
Landen Marcantel, St. Edmund, third place.
Patriot’s Pen, Grades Sixth, Seventh and Eighth “Why I honor the American Flag,” essay.
Jillian DeVillier, St. Edmund, first place;
Madison Andrews, Eunice Jr. High, second place;
Mykaila Powell, Eunice Jr. High, third place.
Voice of Democracy, Ninth-through twelfth-grades, with a theme, “Why My Vote Matters.”
Avery McGee, St. Edmund, first place.
Caitlyn Sonnier, Eunice High, second place.
Emily Cormier, Eunice High, third place.
District 7 winners, Americanism, Category 2:
London Davy, East Elementary, first place.
Category 3: Briley Leger, East Elementary, first place.
District 7 winners, Voice of Democracy:
Avery McGee, St. Edmund, first place.
State winners, Americanism, Category 2: London Davy, East Elementary, second place.
State winner, Voice of Democracy:
Avery McGee, St. Edmund, fifth place.
Brennon Thompson, a senior at Iota High School, was honored as District 7 Scout of the Year. Thompson is the son of Dr. Jamie and Kim Thompson.