Essay Theme:  Our flag honors: “Heroes Proved”

Judging:  Essays will be judged on:

¨      Relevant content

¨      Creativity

¨      Personal reference

¨      General grammar/structure

Criteria:  Essays should be 250-300 words.  Cover sheet to include student name, grade (6th—8th or 9th—12th), school attending and contact phone/email

Deadline:  Essays must be received by May 12, 2025

Submit:  By mail to: Or email to:

John Lamanna lamannaj@outlook.com

215 Union View Lane

Winchester, VA  22603

Selection:  A judging panel will select one middle school essay and one high school essay by May 19, 2025

Prizes:  Winners selected will receive the following:

¨ Mission BBQ Gift Basket

¨ Certificate of Recognition

¨ $100 Gift Card

¨ Essay printed in the local paper

Notification: After the selection, students will be contacted and invited to read their essays at the ceremony held at John Handley High School.  The selected essays will be read at the event on the following dates: High School on 5/22/25 and Middle School on 5/26/25.