McAlexander Essay Finishes Second At State

LINCOLN - Ellie McAlexander placed second in the Junior High Patriot’s Pen essay contest.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Commander Joe Smith and Auxiliary President Liz Davis presented the Lourdes Central Catholic eighth grader with a prize of $750.

McAlexander was among 3,086 junior high school students who competed. She won as an alternate in VFW Post 2634  and won first place in the district contest held in Fairbury.

The first place state winner will now go on an all-expense paid trip with parents to Washington, D.C, to compete for the national contest and a $5,000 prize.