Caption: Purnell Swett High School JROTC students were recognized recently by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2843 as Voices of Democracy Patriotic Audio Essay Competition winners. Sydney Miller, second from left, also was recognized as the JROTC Cadet of the Year by the VFW Post.
PEMBROKE — The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2843 presented an award to a local educator and recognized multiple students with awards during a Monday chapter meeting.
National Citizenship Education Teacher Post Recognition Award
Graylen Mitchell, a JROTC Instructor at Lumberton High School, was presented with the National Citizenship Education Teacher Post Recognition Award and a monetary gift from the VFW Post 2843.
The award was given in recognition of Mitchell’s work to promote citizenship education in his classroom and school. Mitchell has served as a JROTC instructor at the school for 24 years. The award was presented by Byron Jones, commander of the VFW Post 2843, which is also known as the Locklear-Lowry Memorial Post.
“He’s certainly deserving of the award,” Jones said.
Voice of Democracy Patriotic Audio Essay Winners
Additionally, Purnell Swett High School JROTC students who were winners of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Voices of Democracy Patriotic Audio Essay Competition were recognized with certificates and monetary gifts.
Students receiving recognition were as follows: Cadet Staff Sergeant Joshua A. Jacobs (Junior), Cadet Captain Shaniah L. Locklear (Junior), and Cadet Captain Elam B. Jacobs (Junior).
The students competed in writing essays which they presented in class among their peers. The top three winners were selected, and the audio was submitted to Locklear-Lowry Memorial Post 2843 Pembroke.
The essay contest theme was “What are the greatest attributes of our Democracy.”
JROTC Cadet of the Year
Cadet Private Sydney Miller, of Purnell Swett High School, was recognized as the JROTC Cadet of the Year by the VFW Post 2843 and presented with a certificate and monetary gift.
Patriot’s Pen Winners
Prospect Elementary students who won top spots in the Patriot’s Pen VFW Essay Contest also were recognized. Student essays centered on the topic “How are you inspired by America.”
The following students were recognized and presented certificates and monetary gifts: Charity Hunt (first place winner), Presleigh Bullard (second place winner), Destiny Oxendine (third place winner) and Jordyn Collins (fourth place winner).
“Our local VFW fully supports encouraging JROTC cadets and models how to become better citizens,” said PSHS JROTC Cadet/ CPT Piper Miller Battalion S-5.
“We are grateful to the Locklear-Lowry Memorial Post 2843 for supporting our students and allowing them to shine in various essay contests,” said PSRC Chief Communications Officer Jessica Sealey. “We are proud of all of our students who participated and we want to formally congratulate each one as well as our outstanding educator Mr. Graylen Mitchell. Thank you, again, VFW Post 2843 members for your service, support and recognition of excellence!”
Graylen Mitchell, right, a JROTC Instructor at Lumberton High School, was recently presented with the National Citizenship Education Teacher Post Recognition Award by Byron Jones, commander of the VFW Post 2843, which is also known as the Locklear-Lowry Memorial Post.
Prospect Elementary students Jordyn Collins, left, and Presleigh Bullard stand recently with School Counselor Katina Bryant while students were recognized as essay contest winners at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2843.
Prospect Elementary student Destiny Oxendine was the third-place winner in the Patriot's Pen VFW Essay Contest.
Prospect Elementary student Charity Hunt was the first-place winner in the Patriot's Pen VFW Essay Contest.