Four Stillwater Middle School students won awards in the annual Elks Lodge Americanism Essay Writing Contest, including a seventh-grader who earned the highest honor at the state level – a first for Stillwater.

This year’s theme, “What Does Patriotism Mean to Me?”, challenged students to think critically about American values and understand citizenship responsibilities. Stillwater Middle School students, who participate annually and consistently excel locally, made an impressive showing.

Seventh-grader Olivia Riley won first place in both local and state competitions, an extraordinary achievement unprecedented in the school’s history. Her accomplishment secured her a spot in the national contest, where winners will be announced at the Grand Lodge Session in July in Kansas City, Missouri. Each winner will receive a plaque, in addition to monetary awards of $1,000, $500 and $250 respectively.

“We’re very proud of Olivia and all of our students that participated,” said Tim Hulihan, Principal of Stillwater Middle School. “This contest not only showcases her achievement, but also reflects the strength of our curriculum and the dedication of our instructional staff, who help our students succeed every day.”

Three additional Stillwater students placed in the top three of the local contest, hosted by the Mechanicville-Stillwater Elks Lodge:

• Max Parella, Grade 7
• Kadyn Carr, Grade 7
• Mia Andrus, Grade 8

The Elks Lodge Americanism Essay Contest, open to students in grades five through eight, fosters civic responsibility in youth. Winners are selected based on originality, theme development, grammar and spelling. Essays progress from local lodges to district, state and national competitions. Each grade level represents a division from which winners are chosen: Division I (fifth grade), Division II (sixth grade), Division III (seventh grade) and Division IV (eighth grade).

As Olivia’s essay advances nationally, her school and community are rallying behind her.

“Everyone in the building is excited for Olivia. From students to teachers, we’re all rooting for her in the national contest,” said Principal Hulihan.

Olivia will also be honored by the Mechanicville-Stillwater Elks Lodge at the community’s Flag Day celebration in June, where she’ll receive a commemorative plaque in recognition of her achievement.