Patriotism is one of the focuses for the Pilot Club of Mineola. For many years, the club has sponsored a contest for Mineola Elementary students to develop patriotic ideals in children.

Students in third, fourth and fifth grades are asked to make posters or write essays and prose depicting different topics of patriotism.

A dinner is sponsored honoring local veterans, along with the winning students and their parents.

This year several veterans from Wood Memorial Healthcare Center were in attendance and spoke about their military ranks and what they did in the various military organizations.

This year’s third graders made posters. The winners were Brooklyn Hall, first place; Casen Chaffin, second place; and Amadeo Paredes, third place.

Fourth grade winners wrote essays about patriotism. First place was Emma “Cavin” Taylor; second place, Bentley Bates; and third place, Levi Palma.

Fifth graders wrote poetry. Those winners were Tripp Goodson, first place; Sandra Monrroy Gonzalez, second place and Kinsler Bowker, third place.

Overall winner was third grader Emory Foster who depicted a wreath made of poppies. Emma Taylor read her essay at the all-school veterans program.