Local 8th grader wins VFW essay contest

Eureka 8th grader Alia Minoletti will represent Nevada in the Veteran of Foreign Wars (VFW) Patriot’s Pen essay contest after taking first place at the state level with her essay on “Why I Appreciate America’s Veterans”.

Minoletti won the local VFW essay contest in November, then went on to place first at the District level early in December, before taking the state title. Her essay was submitted at the national level, noted J.P. Ithurralde, local member of the Eureka County VFW Post 8194.

“This is quite an accomplishment for a Eureka student,” said Ithurralde, who served as the chair for the contest. “I don’t ever remember a student from Eureka going this far.”

Minoletti and her family will be guests at the annual Nevada VFW Mid-Winter Conference in Fallon held to honor the state winners in the Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest andthe VFW’s Voice of Democracy contests.

“The members of the Eureka Co. Post 8194 would like to congratulate Alia,” said Ithurralde. “What an outstanding achievement. She has not only brought honor to her school, our VFW post, but also to our community. I would also like to thank Mr. Watts for his assistance in our program.”

This year’s contest was an assignment in Karl Watt’s 8th grade language class at E.C.H.S. Twelve students wrote essays as part of the language curriculum this year, he said.