To: Local Media

Date: November 11, 2009

Re: HF-L Student Achieves National Recognition for Essay
PRESS RELEASE


HF-L Student Achieves National Recognition for Essay


 Last year, as an eighth grade student in Mrs. Chris Preston’s class, Patrick Leo participated in the annual “Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest” sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign War.  He won first place status in the regional and state competitions.  When his winning essay eventually progressed to the national level competition, he received a telephone call to congratulate him for placing 23rd and winning a $1,000 savings bond as a reward.

 Patrick’s essay addressed the topic:  “Why America’s Veterans Should be Honored”.  In it, he wrote:  “Since a band of brave colonists stood up for their rights on a Massachusetts field 200 years ago, Americans have always been ready and willing to fight for their freedom…Our veterans were always ready, whenever the United States was threatened, to march in the name of freedom.  Now, let us exercise that freedom, paid for in blood.  Let us write in our newspapers, let us gather in the streets, should we see fit, because it is our right.”

Mrs. Preston describes Patrick as “quite bright” and a young person who “expresses himself well verbally and in writing.”  Mrs. Lori Gehringer, Patrick’s ELA teacher when he was in 6th grade remarks, “I just loved what he wrote and he clearly understands our exit standards at such a young age.” 

Readers can view the full text of Patrick’s winning essay – click here