For the 2025-2025 Americanism Essay ‘What does Patriotism mean to me” contest the BPOE awards plaques for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place for national winning essays in Division I, II, III, and IV while monetary awards will be distributed for each grade level for 1st Place – $1,000, 2nd Place – $500, and 3rd Place – $250 which will be announced during the Grand Lodge Convention in Kansas City June 29th.
Saint Louis Lodge #9 goes beyond the above and has awarded the following for 8th Graders; 1st Place (Evelyn Vlieke) who received a $50 gift card and 2nd Place (Lilliam Vlieks) who received $25 gift card. In addition, #9 awarded the following 6th Graders; 1st Place (Christopher Turner) who received a $50 gift card, 2nd Place (Evan Steiner) who received a $25 gift card and 3rd Place (Si Anamalamudi) who also received a $25 gift card. All above were presented at Crestview Middle School followed by the essays being forwarded to Metro East District #4780 for the next level of competition.
