What does freedom mean to me?

That was the theme for the 2023-2024 Americanism Essay Contest hosted by the Shoemaker-Haydt Unit 314 American Legion Auxiliary of Lehighton.

The winners of each of the three classes were honored at a dinner Wednesday at the Lehighton American Legion, where they were presented with certificates and a monetary award by LaRue Fritz, essay contest chairman and president; and Frances Keener, first vice president.

Brillee Andrews, a student at Lehighton Elementary School, won first place in Class 1, which consisted of boys and girls in third and fourth grades. Andrews is the daughter of Christina and John Andrews of Lehighton.

In her essay, Andrews wrote, “The freedom of choice lets me choose what to do with my life. How I want to act, speak and dress. I can choose my future ... Freedom is that I can make choices about my life. My freedom in life is important.”

Shaniya Doyle, a student at Lehighton Middle School won first place in Class 2, fifth and sixth grades. She is the daughter of Shirley Solomon and John Doyle of Lehighton.

“When I was little, I got asked the same question. I thought freedom was being able to play with your toys or not getting in trouble. The more I grew up, the more I think about it ... the definition changes. I think freedom is being able to pursue my happiness, and it’s a very precious aspect of my life.”

Parker Derr, a student at Lehighton Middle School, won first place in Class 3, seventh and eighth grades. He is the son of Tara and Daniel Derr of Lehighton.

“The Constitution states, ‘We the People’, not me or I. This means we are all equal. No one is better than another. We should all be thankful and show our gratitude to the men and women of the United States military. They have fought and some sacrificed their lives to protect the Constitution, our rights, and our freedoms.”

In addition to winning first place in Lehighton, all three students also won in the American Legion Auxiliary Four-County Council, consisting of Carbon, Lehigh, Monroe and Northampton counties. They were honored May 11 at a dinner in Weatherly where they read their essays.

Also at the dinner, a memorial service was held to honor members of the Auxiliary who passed away. The service was presented by LaRue Fritz; Debra Bokan, secretary and memorial chairwoman; and Brenda Fisher, chaplain. Those who were honored were Gail Steigerwalt, Janice Harleman, Magdalen Armbruster, Tammy Kardolly and Susan Rhoads-Procina.