Representatives of the American Legion, the school district, and the town gathered in Patrice DiVanno and Matt Dalton's sixth grade cluster at Reed Intermediate School on April 27 to announce that three students in the cluster had earned placement in this year's Constitutional Quill Essay Competition.Schoolhouse Rock!americanlegionnewtown@gmail.com or call 203-577-9568.

The entire cluster was gathered in one room for the event. As family members of the winners arrived, students began to whisper among themselves, clearly understanding the significance of the new visitors.

American Legion Post 202 Commander Nick Cabral said talented writers took part in the essay competition this year.

This year's Constitutional Quill Essay Competition challenged students to write an essay on the theme of "The Importance of Voting."

"I really hope you learned something wonderful about voting," said Mr Cabral.

For the award ceremony, the winners were announced by American Legion Department of Connecticut senior vice commander Tom Flowers: Julia Forlenzo earned third place, Clara D'Amico earned second place, and Lauren Deschenes earned first place.

According to the American Legion Post 202, the essays submitted for the competition were judged on knowledge of the theme, theme development, and clarity of ideas. The entries were judged unanimously. Judges for the competition were Steve Schoen, Dr Neil P. Randle, and Don Ramsey.

All of the winners received framed certificates to commemorate the award and an American Legion pin shaped like a whale, in honor of Connecticut's state mammal, the sperm whale.

Along with Mr Flowers and Mr Cabral, Dr Randle, State Representative Mitch Bolinsky, First Selectman Dan Rosenthal, Board of Education Chair Michelle Embree Ku, Assistant Superintendent of Schools Jean Evans Davila, and American Legion Post 202 Senior Vice Commander Donna Monteleone Randle attended the award ceremony. As the winners were announced, the students shook hands with each of the guests. Students and family members clapped for each winner.

To write her essay, Julia said she watched videos like

"I want people to understand it is a blessing to have the ability to vote," Julia said after the ceremony, "and you should participate in any local or national election because every vote counts."

Clara said writing the essay and participating in the essay competition "will definitely convince me to always vote."

Lauren said she focused her essay on supporting "everybody being equal."

According to Ms Randle, the Newtown American Legion Post 202 welcomes new members. Veterans who have served at least one day during a time of war are eligible to become a member of the Newtown American Legion. They do not need to have served overseas to be a member. The American Legion Post 202 meets at 7 pm, the first Wednesday of the month at the Newtown Senior Center. To join or for more information e-mail