This year we had entries for all three of the youth essay contests.
Nina Kieserman, a 15-year-old sophomore at Lincoln High School recited her district-winning Voice of Democracy essay at the Dec. 2 post business meeting (pictured left).
Rylan Calica, a 14-year-old eighth grader from Rochester, was our winning Patriot’s Pen entrant. He won for his grade at the district level (center).
Leela Baker, an 8-year-old 3rd grader from B.F. Day Elementary took first for the Youth Essay and also won at the district level (right).
State-level award winners will be announced at the Department’s Mid-Winter Conference in January. Congratulations and good luck, kids!
News
Post Santa, Ann Leake, Featured in Seattle Times Video
If you’ve ever attended a post holiday social, then you’ve met our incredible Santa, Ann Leake. This holiday season Seattle Times reporter Erika Schultz profiled Ann for a video feature. If you’d like to view the video, check it out at https://www.seattletimes.com/video/f1CR1Pr2/second-generation-santa-93-shares-joy-of-the-job/. Be sure to grab a tissue, Ann is a truly an inspiration!
Wreaths Across America 2021
Today on National Wreaths Across America Day Post 3063 provided an honor guard at the Sons of the American Revolution-sponsored WAA event at Lake View Cemetery. It was a soggy morning but people young and old turned out to honor our fallen veterans. A couple scouts from the post’s sponsored Girl Scout Troop (#46953) participated as well.
Holidays Celebrated at Post 3063
After a two-year hiatus due to Covid, we celebrated the holidays last night at Post 3063. We had a big turnout in person and to go, and we all feasted on Chef Kay’s delicious food!
Two of our youth essay winners attended, recited their essays, and received their certificates and prizes. Congratulations, Leela and Rylan!
The very special guest was our Santa and a Seattle Times photographer was there to document her giving gifts and bringing joy to the room.
Our friends, The Top of the Hill Barbershop Quartet, crooned some holiday and classic tunes, creating a festive ambiance.
Thank you to everyone who volunteered and participated! As our Santa says, “Ho, ho, ho! Merry Christmas!”
December 2021 Newsletter Posted
Ballard Eagleson VFW Post 3063’s December 2021 newsletter is posted here. Highlights include: Commander’s Corner; Quartermaster’s Update; Boy Scouts Attend Thanksgiving Social; Navigators Learn About Service; Service Throwback: Bill Griffith; and Agent Orange Exposure and VA Disability Compensation.