MANTI—The American Legion Auxiliary Manti Unit 31 promotes patriotism and responsible citizenship and holds an annual essay contest for students. The auxiliary congratulates the students who placed in this year’s Americanism Essay Contest (see chart below for winners).

American Legion Essay Contest winners who read their essays last Thursday for the American Legion Post 31 in Manti. Front row: Hadley Curtis, Annie Wintch, Cody Hanks, Andelyn Dewey, Brigitta Powell, Jaidyn Jones, Rylie Squire. Back row: James Everitt, Cynthia Bishop, Emma Wallace, Hannah Barlow and Janessa Bridges.

Essay chairman Leah Black said, “Essays were well written and enjoyable to read. It’s refreshing to know that our children realize the value of being an American citizen [and] living in America, and appreciate our freedoms and the responsibilities that go along with those freedoms. We appreciate all of the 247 students and teachers who took the time to participate.” Students were given their checks on Thursday, May 12 at the American Legion Hall in Manti, where students read their essays to the legion members.