Dexter, Missouri - The Elks Lodge in Dexter sponsors an American Essay Contest each year.  This year the topic was, "What I Can Do to Promote Americanism and Love of Country."

Elks Americanism Chairperson Randy Northington presented three students with awards for their essays.  Division I (5th and 6th grade students) winners were First Place Jayci Holcomb, 2nd Place Taylor Oliva, and third Place was Reece Jones.

Winners will be entered at the district level and if they win they will be moved on to the state competition.

Below is the American Essay by Central Elementary Fifth grade student, Jayci Holcomb.  She won First Place. Her essay is entitled "What can I do to show love of country and Americanism?"

America is a beautiful country.  Anyone can show Americanism and love of country.  Anyone can show Americanism and love of country.  There are many ways to do this. 

One way I can do this, or anyone in general, is by saying the Pledge of Allegiance.  I think the Pledge of Allegiance is important because it shows love and respect for our country.

Like I said, America is beautiful, but some people don’t care.  They litter and do even worse.  So, another thing anyone can do is to help take care of their community.

You can pick up trash that you see around your town, or for your community, you can do fundraisers for businesses and more.

Also, to show Americanism and patriotism, you can put up a flag outside of your house, or on patriotic holidays wear red, white, and blue, or shoot fireworks.

I think showing this is important, and as John F. Kennedy once said, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.”