Young writers honored by veterans

Winners of the 16th annual Marion County Veterans Council Flag Day Essay Contest, all of whom are local students, were recognized at a Flag Day Celebration at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park on Sunday, June 16. The theme of the essay contest was “What does our flag represent?” [Photo by Andy Fillmore]

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Posted June 18, 2024 | By Andy Fillmore, andy@ocalagazette.com

The winners of the 16th annual Marion County Veterans Council Flag Day Essay Contest, all of whom are local students, were recognized at a Flag Day Celebration at the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park on Sunday, June 16. The theme of the essay contest was “What does our flag represent?” according to Suzanne McGuire with the MCVC.

McGuire, one of the founders of the contest, formerly worked with Marion County Public Schools and is now with state senator Keith Perry’s office.

The 19 winners were selected from more than 65 entrants in three classes at Eighth Street Elementary School, according to teacher Sharon Anderson.

Emma Cambias, Piper Cartwright, Khloe Crawford, Quinn Drawdy, Nathan Gonzalez, Maggie Murphy, Phoenix Nelson, Ryenn Schooley, Brooklyn Thrift, Cooper Yancey, Peyton Yancey and Zoey White read their essays aloud at the park.

Other students who participated included Blake Frey, Mason Hernandez, Harvey Leathers, Anthony Prisciandaro, Matthew Prisciandaro, Brooks Robinson and Bentley Thomas.

Retired U.S. Army colonel Craig Ham, president of the MCVC, which incorporates about 50 veterans’ organizations, served as moderator and the Marion County Memorial Honor Guard provided a color guard for the event.

Members of the MCVC, Marion County Memorial Honor Guard, Marine Corps League #061, Nautilus Base submarine veterans’ organization, Marion County Veterans Helping Veterans, Veterans Resource Center, National Society of the daughters of the American Revolution Ocala chapter and the Military Officers Association of America, Kingdom of the Sun chapter, presented certificates and a $25 gift card to the essay winners.

Ryenn Schooley, 10, was accompanied by her mother, Morgen Schooley, and grandparents, Patrick and Terry Wise.

“Some people think that the flag means freedom. To me I look straight through it and see a whole new future of freedom, laughter, enjoyment,” Ryenn wrote in part in her five-paragraph essay. “The people who stood up (to defend the country) … knew that they could die but they did not care if they did. What matters is that they stood up. Today we are free because of them.”

Morgen Schooley said the recognition “means a lot” and she’s “very proud” of her daughter.

Several students wrote that family members have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Brooklyn Thrift wrote about the flag standing for freedom of speech and religion. Zoey White wrote about how people have fought and died for freedom.

Keila and Armando Gonzalez were on hand to watch their son, Nathan Gonzalez, read his essay and receive his certificate and gift card from Ken Nichols with Nautilus Base.
Chris Yancey said his grandchild Peyton Yancey “learned a lot” about the American flag by writing the essay. Cooper Yancey was accompanied by his parents Junior and Alisha Yancey.

Marine Corp League #061 provided a flag disposal ceremony at the close of the event.

To learn more about the Marion County Veterans Council, go to FB.com/mcvetcouncil