Community

By Sheila, Eighth grade

The Patriot's Pen is a writing competition with students all over the country. Swan River holds their own competition with students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. According to Swan River Principal Mr. Bunker, “It allows students to practice writing, and it's a good way to show gratitude to instill the value of patriotism.” This year's topic is “What Is Patriotism To Me?” The Veterans Of Foreign Wars (VFW) judges the competition according to the knowledge of the theme, and clarity of ideas.

The First Place National Prize is $5,000 and the school prize is $100! Lance Peterson says, “It's a good way to express patriotism and organize your feelings.” In past years, a school assembly was held to thank veterans for their service. Eighth grader Kennady believes, "Patriotism should be expressed in school,” and thinks, “The Patriot's Pen is a great way to capture what you feel.” A dinner is also held in order to thank the veterans personally. A representative from the VFW usually attends and presents the winner with the prize. Sadl, this year due to Covid-19, this special event will not occur.

This year's winners, announced on November 30th, were:

1st Place Winner, Kennady G - Eighth Grade

2nd Place Winner, Braidy B - Eighth Grade

3rd Place, Lance P - Seventh Grade

This year is the very first year Swan River School has had a winner who placed outside the school competition. Kennady also won for the district/area, which included Swan River School, Bigfork School, and Cayuse Prairie School. She won $150, a medal, and a certificate.

Becoming an Eagle scout is a massive achievement, and thirteen year old Swan River student, Gabrielle made the leap. She is now among some of the nation's first female Eagle Scouts. Some of the requirements of becoming an Eagle Scout are earning 21 merit badges including first aid, citizenship in the community, citizenship in the nation, citizenship in the world, communication, cooking, personal fitness, emergency preparedness, and lifesaving.

“Now that I am an Eagle Scout I can focus more on the younger girls in the troop,” said Gabrielle in an interview. STEM is the main badge to achieve, which includes Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, which she will help others to achieve. Eagle Scouts help girls obtain life skills, and Gabrielle is a clear leader to others.