On May 6, Holley-Navarre Elks Lodge #2787 presented American essay contest winner Ava Gordon with her awards at a ceremony at her school. She is a student in Mrs. Dierigs' fifth grade class at Saint Mary Catholic School in Fort Walton Beach. She was the only participant from the school to submit an essay. Ava won first place in the Northwest District, receiving a check for $100. She also won second place in her age division at the state level, receiving a $750 check from the Florida State Elks Association.
Pictured are Tom Stevens, PER, Exalted Ruler; Suzanne White, Lodge Secretary; Ava Gordon; and Tom McLaughlin, PER, District Americanism Chair.