CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) Kiwanis has selected the winners for this years “Interview a Veteran” Essay Contest.
This year’s school winners read excerpts of their essays at the annual essay awards luncheon on Tuesday, November 13 with over 100 veterans, parents, teachers, principals and Kiwanians attending. The topic of the 2018 contest is “What can the Veterans’ Experience teach me about being a Better Citizen?”
This year’s middle school grand winner is Nolan Woollen, sixth grader at Richview Middle School. Nolan is the son of Navy Petty Officer (Ret) Nicholas and Jennifer Woollen.
The high school grand winner is Regan Oakley, tenth grader at Ft. Campbell High School. Regan’s parents are LTC Luis and Nicole Oakley. She wrote about her father who is in active service with the U.S. Army.
This year’s 1,488 students from 9 middle schools and 10 high schools participated in the contest. Fort Campbell High School had the most essays submitted with 288.
Ann Clem, Vice-Essay Chair, said this year’s subject was a great example of the many role models in that reside in our community. The Jr ROTC classes were especially supportive this year. Each school winner received a plaque and a cash award and the grand winners received an extra award donated by Corlew Chevrolet Cadillac along with a flag flown over the US Capitol at the request of Representative Marsha Blackburn.
“It is great to see how local veterans are such a positive influence on these young citizens inspiring them to serve our community in many ways,” Kiwanian Ron Smithfield said. “We are truly fortunate to live in a special city where active-duty military and veterans make positive contributions every day.”