Each year the Elks National Foundation sponsors an Americanism essay contest for students in fifth through eighth grade. Lodge winners then move on to the district level and then possibly to the state and national level. This year's theme is, "How Can Patriotism be Demonstrated?" Sebring Elks Lodge #1529 received five submissions from Sebring Middle School; history teacher, Linda Lakes, promoted the contest at the school. All essays were very well written and the committee's task of choosing the winner was not an easy one. On Dec. 15, the winners were chosen and awards were distributed. Pictured are Wainetta Holmes, Exalted Ruler; Linda Lakes; Harper Schuknecht, first place winner who was presented $100; Leah Koehler, second place winner who was presented $50; Jayce Graham, Ava Barnes, and Sami Rather who were presented $20 Walmart gift certificates; and Diane Morse, Americanism Chair.