The Patriots Pen theme for 2010 was " Does Patriotism Still Matter "

VFW Post 3822 received 19 entries from the Balboa Academy for the Patriots Pen competion... and the committee selected the following with first and second place winners being forwarded to District 1, of VFW Department of Latin America/Caribbean.

First Place -- Camila Maria Gomez

Second Place -- Marvin Sarkar-Bynoe

Third Place -- Valentina Donado

Camila Gomez placed First in District one, and the VFW Department of Latin America/Caribbean. Her submission was then sent to the VFW National committee for judging. Hers was one of 54 entries to be judged.

This is the announcement from VFW National Headquarters....

2nd Place - Camila Maria Gomez, an 8th grade student, sponsored by VFW Post 3822, Department of Latin America/Caribbean, will receive the $8,000 VFW U.S. Savings Bond. (Savings Bond, Glass Etched Plaque, and Wood Plaque for sponsoring Post will be sent to Department Headquarters for presentation during Department Convention or other.

Principal Rita Sosa addresses the students.

Commander Jose (Joe) Martinez explains the Patriots Pen Program to the students and the awards they can receive.

Conducted nationwide, this VFW sponsored youth essay competition gives students an opportunity to write essays expressing their views on democracy with the prospect of winning U.S. savings bonds. We invite you to join the more than 120,000 students who participated last year in this contest. The top 46 national winners all receive at least a $1,000 savings bond. The first-place award is currently a $10,000 savings bond plus an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. for the winner and a parent or guardian.

Big National Prizes

Prizes include the various amounts of U.S. Savings Bonds listed below:

1st: $10,000 Bond

2nd: $8,000 Bond

3rd: $7,000 Bond

4th: $5,500 Bond

5th: $5,000 Bond

6th: $4,000 Bond

7th: $3,500 Bond

8-9th: $3,000 Bond

10-11th: $2,500 Bond

12-13th: $2,000 Bond

14-15th: $1,500 Bond

16-46th: $1,000 Bond

Commander Jose (Joe) Martinez presenting a check to Camila from Post 3822 .

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