Winners at Calvary Christian Academy are from left, Gianna Gavaldon, Naomi Ammon, Sophia Vinson, Ariel Hanson, Hadassah Mathieu, Seth Ammon, and at far right is American Legion Post 18 Commander John Sterle, and in the back row, American Legion member Don Luhrsen, American Legion Chapter 13 Riders President Roger Wright and ALA Secretary Candy LuhrsenThe 2019 Americanism Essay Contest conducted by the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 18 was successfully concluded on Wednesday, May 1. They received a record total of 58 essays from students in the grades 3 through 12 in Grant County. There were First Place Winners in all five categories and in addition four Honorable Mention Awards presented at three schools by Legion and Auxiliary members. First Place Winners also received $50 checks from the Auxiliary. The ALA hopes that more schools and students will participate in this program next year.  

The Essay Contest Class II winner is Nicolas Zamora of Central Elementary, presented by ALA Secretary Candy Luhrsen

Definition: Americanism is an ideology, or belief in devotion, loyalty, or allegiance to the United States of America, or to its flag, traditions, customs, culture, symbols, institutions, or form of government. In the words of Theodore Roosevelt, "Americanism is a question of spirit, conviction, and purpose, not of creed or birthplace." Americanism ideals include: self-government, equal opportunity, freedom of speech, and a belief in progress. This collection of ideals that forms the modern ideology of Americanism holds an enduring appeal to people from lands throughout the globe.

Mrs. Upton, History teacher at Silver City High School, rose to the American Legion Auxiliary Americanism Essay Contest challenge and required her advanced eleventh grade class to submit entries. Two of her students were winners in Class V. Ashley Armijo won First Place with a $50 check and a certificate. Jan Schwarzfeld, a foreign exchange student from Germany, was awarded an Honorable Mention certificate. His award was presented in German, which he translated to the class. 

Sterle, First Place winner Ashley Armijo, Luhrsen, and ALA Chaplain Ora Redé.

Sterle, Honorable Mention winner Jan Schwarzfeld, Luhrsen, and ALA Chaplain Ora Redé.