‘Citizenship In America’ Essay

A Winner For Local Sixth Grade Student

By Nancy K. Crevier

For most sixth graders, the writing they are required to do for school projects and testing is more than enough. But this fall, twin sisters at Reed Intermediate School took on an outside project that involved lots of research and lots of writing.

Amanda and Elizabeth Locasio are the daughters of Liz and Hank Locasio, a family of admitted history buffs. Mr Locasio was a political science major in school and the family, including a younger daughter, Holly, leans toward vacations that involve historical sites. Amanda and Elizabeth belong to both the chamber and regular orchestra at the intermediate school, are members of Girl Scout Troop 270, and the community-oriented Interact Club at RIS, and frequently participate in fundraisers and help at functions such as the recent Rotary dinner for students of the month held at the school.

Both girls are writers for the school paper, The Patriot’s Press, as well. So when their mother came across the Veterans of Foreign War Patriot’s Pen essay contest on line this past September and suggested that they enter, neither girl hesitated. The local VFW Post 308 was happy to sponsor the girls, and they set to work.

The national essay required a 300- to 400-word paper centered on the 2006 theme, “Citizenship in America.” The essay needed to show a relation to self, said Amanda, and had to show that they had knowledge of the topic.

“We brainstormed a little together in the beginning,” said Amanda, “but took it to our own ideas and thoughts to finish the piece.”

It was no small amount of work to add to their busy schedules. “Every day we spent at least 30 minutes researching and writing countless drafts,” Elizabeth said. In addition, the girls would watch the news and talk about current events and made it a point to read works by some of the country’s Founding Fathers in order to flesh out their ideas on citizenship. “We looked over the Bill of Rights and the Declaration of Independence, for instance,” said Amanda.

Mrs Locasio added that because the whole family is fascinated by history, “We have a lot of political discussions at home.”

Elizabeth and Amanda both decided independently to focus their essay on duty as an American citizen. “I talked more about loyalty and allegiance,” said Elizabeth. “I included things about relatives of ours who had served [in the armed forces] and about supporting today’s troops and families.”

Amanda’s essay focused on one’s duty as a citizen of America, as well. “I think it is my responsibility to do community service, to get an education and to obey the laws, so that is what I wrote about,” said Amanda.

Their hard work paid off. The local VFW was impressed with the essays submitted by Amanda and Elizabeth. “I was amazed by the essays by both of the girls,” said junior vice commander Peter Sturges. “I couldn’t believe these girls were only in sixth grade. They have a great grip on citizenship.” Both girls were awarded gift certificates to Borders by VFW 308 for their efforts, and Amanda’s essay was selected to go on to district judging.

In early January, Amanda was notified that as the 1st District winner, the honor of her presence was requested at the Annual Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen Awards Dinner at VFW Post 511 in New Britain on January 21. The dinner was attended by the Patriot’s Pen Award winner from each of Connecticut’s five districts, who entered in the sixth to eight grade division, and the six district winners of the Voice of Democracy contest for older students. A coalition of 12 members of the VFW Post 308 Ladies Auxiliary accompanied the Locasios to the dinner.

The Locasio family could not have been more pleased, said Mrs Locasio, when Amanda was named second place winner for the state level that evening.

“I thought I did my best and had worked hard. I was pleased with second place, and a little relieved that because I didn’t win first place, that I didn’t have to read my essay that night,” said Amanda.

Elizabeth said that she had tried her best, too, but was very proud that her sister had gone on to place second in the state.

“We’re proud of both girls,” said Mrs Locasio, speaking for herself and her husband. “It shows they both have a clear understanding of how our government is supposed to work and of their duties as citizens. It was a good lesson that people can make their opinions known by writing.”

As winner of the district level contest, Amanda received $100 from the 1st District VFW, and as second place winner at state level, the State Office of the VFW awarded her $150.

Just as rewarding as the money, though, said Amanda, was what she learned. “I learned a lot from my research and what it means to be an American citizen. It made me more aware of my duties as a citizen of America.”

The Veterans of Foreign Wars sponsors a Voice of Democracy essay contest and Patriot’s Pen Award every year. A local VFW post must sponsor writers. Visit vfw.org and select “programs” for more information about the 2007-2008 contest.

“I would recommend it to other kids,” said Elizabeth. “It helps you understand why people serve the country.”