8th grader Clayton Santos and 5th grader Dayson Eubanks both won first place in their respective divisions of the Americanism Essay Content sponsored by the Cobleskill Elks Lodge.
The Elks Americanism Essay Contest takes place each year and the contest begins with local lodges before progressing through district, state and national levels. The contest encourages 10 to 13-year-old students to thoughtfully consider American values and appreciate the blessings and responsibilities of citizenship.
This year, the contest tasked students with answering the question "What is your American Dream?" in 300 words or less.
Clayton's essay explained his dream of creating a non-profit that would help homeless people have access to shelter, food, water and job opportunities. The non-profit would partner with local businesses that would help make these goals a reality. Dayson's essay explained his desire to help stop world hunger and to help find shelter for those who are homeless.
Congratulations Dayson and Clayton!