This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Schools

Crossroads South Students Recognized for VFW Essay Contests

VFW's 2011-2012 Patriot's Pen Essay Contest and National Citizenship Education Teacher Award Essay Contest winners honored.

The South Brunswick Board of Education, along with the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9111, recognized two Crossroads South Middle School students Monday night for their individual submissions to two national essay contests.

Eighth grade student Ayman Lakhani won the VFW’s 2011-2012 Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest, said Crossroads South Language Arts and Social Studies Supervisor Janet Gleim.

“It’s a nice opportunity for our students to reflect on democracy and what it means to be an American and to be a proud citizen of our country,” she said. “It also allows us to maintain a strong connection to our community organizations, such as the VFW.”

Find out what's happening in South Brunswickwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Local VFW members selected Lakhani’s winning essay from over 200 entries into the contest, sponsored by the VFW’s men’s group and ladies auxiliary, said VFW Post 9111 Chaplain Mike Ketofsky. The reward for his submission was a $100 government savings bond.

Seventh grade student Justin Samuels won the VFW’s 2012 National Citizenship Education Teacher Award Essay Contest by nominating his sixth grade literature teacher, Kelli Zicha.

Find out what's happening in South Brunswickwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“Ms. Zicha deserves to win this teacher’s because of her outstanding dedication and commitment to students,” Samuels said, as he re-read his submission to the board. “She has always encouraged students to ask questions during class and took the time to go over the material in depth.  Ms. Zicha is caring, loving, patient and attentive.”

 Zicha always found time to help students as often as possible, despite their busy schedules, Samuels said.

 “Tonight I have the proud pleasure of showcasing two fine middle school men and an arts teacher who has proven herself to be a true inspiration to many of our students,” said Crossroads South Middle School Principal Raymond Tucholski.

Both winners will attend the VFW Post 9111 membership meeting on Dec. 13 to receive their post awards and to address the VFW members, Ketofsky said.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?