One of the many benefits of serving as our Post’s Youth Programs Coordinator (as well as your Chaplain) is coordinating the following Post competitions: Voice of Democracy Audio Essays (open to high school students), Patriot’s Pen Essays (open to 6th, 7th, and 8th graders), and Youth Essays (open to 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders). Along with other members of our Essay Evaluation Committee, I read and evaluated a number of excellent essay submitted by students from a schools in the local area. I also had the very great privilege of representing our Post by presenting ‘Achievement Award Certificates’ to all contest participants. It is really a joy to see, hear, and experience the excitement that these certificates bring to participating students. I have visited at least 8 schools this year.
I would like to tell you about one of the schools I visited. On Wednesday, 4 December, I visited Providence Classical Christian School and presented ‘Achievement Award Certificates’ to ten very excited third graders during a school assembly. The Assembly – the environment – at Providence Classical Christian School was different.Let me explain. At all schools students are wonderful. all schools students and faculty are welcoming and friendly. all schools students and faculty are respectful and courteous. Providence Classical Christian School was different because prayer was offered at the opening, during, and at the end of the assembly. The Bible was read and quoted by students and faculty, openly throughout the assembly. America was acknowledged as “One Nation Under God”. The existence of Christ was acknowledged and glorified.Another thing, albeit less important, that makes the school different is that all the students were in ‘uniform’ – skirts, white blouses, and sweaters for the girls; slacks, white shirts, and sweaters for the boys.I’m certain that there were economic differences but you certainly could not tell by looking at the students. It was a marvelous experience.
Hopefully you will be able to attend our 10 January Post meeting during which you will meet our superb contest winners, those placing second, and those recognized as runner ups.These will included those participating in Voice of Democracy, Patriot’s Pen, and Youth Essays.
Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year. God Bless our Troops and God Bless America