Patriotic poetry and essays were celebrated last month as the American Legion Auxiliary honored winners of their annual student contest. Auxiliary members invited fifth and sixth grade students, along with their parents, to attend the award ceremony at the group’s meeting held at the Weskota Apartments. Students recited their poems and essays in front of auxiliary members and received a cash prize. Shown left to right are: Lily Roesler, Madilyn Gaikowski, Jalene Reiner, Taryn Bartel and JR Hine. Not pictured: Bailey Roduner. The award-winning pieces that focus on the themes of freedom, democracy and veterans are published at www.truedakotan.com.