Local Students Honored by American Legion

Three essay writers will progress to next level of competition

By Vickie Babyak
The Tube City Almanac
May 27, 2025
Posted in: McKeesport and Region News

Saniya Rivers, a student at McKeesport Area High School, reads her essay entitled “America the Beautiful: A Legacy of Sacrifice and Struggle.” Her winning essay in the American Legion essay contest will advance to council level. (Vickie Babyak photo for Tube City Almanac)

Several local students were honored by the American Legion this month for writing essays on what it means to be an American.

At a dinner at Post 701 in White Oak, students whose essays are chosen to advance to the next level received a prize of $50, and in each of their names a $50 donation was presented to the Children of Warriors National Presidents’ Scholarship fund.

“The response has been great,” said Holly Gallagher, Americanism chairperson. In years past, she said, “we would average 10 to 12 essays, but this year we received a total of 37 essays.”

According to the American Legion National Headquarters, the essay contest was created to promote the value of patriotism, lifelong respect for the country and the American flag, and what it means to be an American. Thousands of students, grades 3 to 12 participate annually, and there is a category for students with special needs.

Seventh-graders from Founder’s Hall Middle School participated in the American Legion essay contest. (Vickie Babyak photo for Tube City Almanac)

The contest provides students an opportunity to explore the fundamental rights and freedoms that Americans enjoy today. Each year has a different theme and the current essay theme is “What does America the Beautiful mean to me (regarding veterans and our military)?”   

The awards program May 7 began with commander Glenn Lynn welcoming guests and leading in the Pledge of Allegiance. An invocation was delivered by Chaplain Cindy Gillespy, and Lynn presented the POW/MIA ceremony, afterwards dinner was served.

Derionna Harper, a student from Founder's Hall Middle School, reads her essay for guests attending the Americanism awards dinner. Her essay is one of three from the school district that will advance to council level. (Vickie Babyak photo for Tube City Almanac)

Holly Gallagher followed with introductions and Unit President Clare M. Hann presented students with their awards. Some of the students volunteered to read their essays for family, friends, and other attendees.

Gallagher has been chairing the contest approximately 20 years. The local contest was for eighth graders only, but last year students from the McKeesport high school were recruited and also seventh graders from Founders’ Hall Middle School, she said.

She said the American Legion Auxiliary sponsors the essay contest and not only do the students receive a certificate this year, but also a “Poppy Challenge Coin” representing special achievements, hard work, and a symbol of pride and joy.

“The coin is taken from the poem ‘In Flanders Fields’ written by Lt. Col John McCrae in the 1920’s,” Gallagher said. “Poppies symbolize the bloodshed and sacrifices of those who have fought and continue to fight for our country.”

Gallagher announced that three students are advancing to council level — Derionna Harper, Saniya Rivers and McKenzy Bulischeck. Harper and Rivers were excited to hear their names called and to learn their essays were advancing to the next level.

Bulischeck was not able to attend the ceremony due to a scheduling conflict.

“It was definitely unexpected and met with a lot of excitement,” Rivers said. “I put a lot of heart into my essay, especially with touching on my family history in the military, and it was a fun experience in which ‘out of struggle comes triumph.’”

•  Read Rivers’ prize-winning essay - Download PDF

Harper said, “I definitely felt excited and proud of myself knowing how much hard work I put into my essay, but it flowed naturally once I got all my words.”

•  Read Harper’s prize-winning essay - Download PDF

At the conclusion of the ceremony, White Oak Mayor Ina Jean Marton gave remarks and Chaplain Scarlet Dougherty sent guests home with benediction.

•  Read Bulischeck’s prize-winning essay - Download PDF

Vickie Babyak is a photographer and freelance writer from Dravosburg. She may be reached at vbabyak@yahoo.com.

Contest Winners

Founder’s Hall
7th Grade

Julius Berback, Ethan Coccia, Sam Given, Edward Harmon, Derionna Harper, Hector Jones,  Joseph Jones, Logan Keenan, Tristan Landymore, JaNelle Lewis, Ryder Marton, Kameela Miller, Jocelyn Orbin, Lucas O’Toole, Jaxon Teoli, Summer Ura, Amelia Wanless

8th Grade

Ciara Anderson, Nevaeh Bowman, Ka’ Leigh Bryant, Makayla Burrell, Eleanor Homer, Juliana Johnson, Dakota Kirk, Sakai Lewis, Brayden Ross, Tyler Swauger,  Zeke Tavaglione, Tory Thomas

McKeesport Area High School
Grades 9-10

Maggie Badstibner, McKenzy Bulischeck, Shia Ethridge, Reagan Sheposh

Grades 11-12
Brody Bernard, Victoria Fast, Nie’Zhay Jefferson, Saniya Rivers

Originally published May 27, 2025.

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