Shelby Hitchcock wins essay contest

PECATONICA – Shelby Hitchcock, a student of Pecatonica High School, won the “Americanism” essay contest sponsored by the Pecatonica American Legion Post #197 auxiliary. Seventy 11th and 12th graders of Pecatonica High School submitted essays entitled “What New Amendment Should be Added to the U. S. Constitution”. Shelby is a senior taking advantage of the “College Now” program as she takes her classes at Highland Community College. Shelby’s essay will be entered into the District competition. The finalists in that competition will compete at the state level for a possible $1200 scholarship.

All American Legion units are encouraged to promote Americanism. Through the coordinated efforts of Auxiliary members, teachers and administration, seventy students took the opportunity to think about their freedoms.

Ronald Reagan once said, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We did not pass it on to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on to them so they will do the same.”