Local eighth grade student Alia Minoletti can now add a national award to her young resume. Minoletti recently placed sixth nationwide with her Patriot’s Pen Essay titled “Why I Appreciate American’s Veterans”.

After placing first statewide, her essay was submitted for competition nationwide. Minoletti’s essay competed against 54 finalists, one from each state, the District of Columbia, Pacific Areas, Europe and Puerto Rico.

Her efforts earned her the $2,000 Clyde A. Lewis Department of New York and Ladies Auxiliary National Patriot’s Pen Award. Minoletti was sponsored by the VFW Post 8194 in Eureka.

The Patriot’s Pen Essay Competition was incorporated into Mr. Karl Watts’ eighth grade language class earlier this year.