Winners of the Fleet Reserve Association essay contest.
A congratulatory luncheon was March 1 for the winners of the Sierra–Tahoe No. 137, Fleet Reserve Association Essay Contest in Carson City.
First place winners received $100 each, second place received $75, and third place winners were awarded $50 each.
Several local area schools were contacted in mid-September 2024 and given the opportunity to have their 7-12th grade students, including those home schooled, participate in the 350-word essay contest themed “What Service Means To Me.”
The goal of this activity is primarily to promote the spirit of Americanism and Patriotism among our country’s youth. Students that placed first in each Region will then have the opportunity to compete on a National level. The grand prize for the first-place winner nationally is $1,500.
A total of 69 students participated this year. The essays for each grade level were judged by a panel of FRA Branch and Auxiliary members. The winners were determined by a proven scoring system that considers the depth of the content, individuality, grammatic structure, legibility and overall presentation.
The parents and teachers that attended the luncheon were also congratulated for encouraging and teaching these young people the value of leadership, self-confidence and community.
“It is encouraging to know that there are so many youth in our community that are dedicated to a better future for America,” said Branch President Jim Jackson.
“I was pleased that we had the continued support and participation from a few schools but would hope next year more Middle Schools & High Schools will offer this opportunity to their students,” Americanism Committee Chairman John Fox said.
“It is great to see such wonderful thoughts coming from the minds of the future of America,” said Sierra-Tahoe No. 137 Auxiliary President Jan Solberg. “I just want to say thank you to all of the winners and to all that participated.”
The Winners
Grade 7
Mattie Frey Faith Christian Academy First Place
Ryker Manthey Faith Christian Academy Second Place
Raylan Limper Carson Valley Middle School Third Place
Grade 8
Halle Schulz Carson Valley Middle School First Place
Ryland Manthey Faith Christian Academy Second Place
Vivian Aguila Carson Valley Middle School Third Place
Grade 9
Katie Varain Yerington High School First Place
Aria Menditto Yerington High School Second Place
Brynn Hawkey Yerington High School Third Place
Grade 10
Noah Smit Sierra Lutheran High School First Place
*Only One Entry for this grade level
Grade 11
Hector Ramierz Yerington High School First Place
Alma Sanchez Soto Yerington High School Second Place
Daniel Domnguez Yerington High School Third Place
Grade 12
Lizbeth Avila Vazquez Yerington High School First Place
Yasselin Madera Yerington High School Second Place
Josve Sanchez Castaneda Yerington High School Third Place
Fleet Reserve Association