The Grand Lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks annually offers an Americanism Essay Contest. The theme for this year was, “What Does Patriotism Mean to Me?” The essay contest is open to students in the 5th through 8th grades. Florence Elks Lodge #1858 sponsors the local com petition and invites student participation from the Florence, Reedsport and Mapleton area. The winning authors and their proud family members attended dinner and the awards presen tation at the Florence Elks Lodge on Thursday, March 6, 2025. For the 7th grade division, we are honoring stu dents attending Reedsport Community Charter School under teacher Kaylie Laskey: 1st place - Kendall Dillahay 2nd place - Angela Austin 3rd place - Harper Spurgeon For the 8th grade division, we are honoring these students: 1st place - Pearl Jensen. She is a student of Academy by the Sea. 2nd place - Chloe Bilbrey. She is a student of Kelly Dotson at Siuslaw Middle School. 3rd place - Aubrey Carrington. She was not able to attend. She is a student of Kaylie Laskey at Reedsport Community Charter School. These winning essays will be judged at the Oregon State Elks Association State essay competition in April with the hopes of being select ed to move forward to the national contest in July. A great big thank you goes out to our Essay Judging panel: June Irvin, Lynn Hughes, Jolyne Alaniz and PER Barb Tyler. Our Lodge is very grateful to all our members who are vigilant in assuring that our flags are properly displayed, lit, retired and kept in flying condition. Thank you to our Lodge members who proudly wear flag lapel pins and for your continuing support of this annual essay contest. Fraternally, Spunky Gray, Americanism Chair.