MSN Students Write About Freedom

 Every year seventh grade students learn about the Constitution in their social studies class, but they don’t always think about the impact this document, especially the Bill of Rights, has made on their lives and America. This year several Lake Zurich Middle School North students exercised their freedom of speech and submitted essays about “What the First Amendment Means to Me” to the Americanism Essay Contest sponsored by The American Legion Department of Illinois, American Legion Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion.

Entries at the unit and district level were assessed on content, organization of subject matter and correct and factual usage.

According to Cathy Criel, the local organizer of the competition, 7th grader Emma Daleske was the winner and represented the post at the district level where she placed third. While Emma did not move onto the Division level, she represented Post 964 and Lake Zurich Middle School North well. Only first place winners at the district level move on in the competition.

This competition is intended to aid the schools of Illinois in the teaching of Americanism and Good Citizenship.

Criel and the Unit President, Peggy Kalicki visited Lake Zurich Middle School North on Tuesday, April 30th to meet Daleske and present her with a certificate and a cash prize. “Our Unit felt that all the students who submitted essays deserved recognition for their participation therefore we are giving certificates to each student. We were also very proud to have Emma's essay win third place at 2nd District and wanted to recognize her efforts with a check and certificate,” added Criel.