Alva Review-Courier -

Each year Kiowa's local VFW Auxiliary promotes South Barber student's participation in the national Patriot's Pen essay contest. Teacher Danielle Jewell has eighth graders write an essay based on the theme for that year which in 2022 is "My Pledge to Our Veterans."

Annually, nearly 68,800 students in grades 6-8 enter the VFW's Patriot's Pen youth essay contest for a chance to win their share of more than $1.4 million in state and national awards.

Eighth grader Austin Swonger won the local contest this year. Second place went to Tyler Archuleta. Both boys got to read their essays at the local V...