| Citizen Patriot |
| Daniel - Jeffers Post 247 Newletter |
| NEW RELEASES The American Legion Oratorical Contest Winners Five of Poolesville High School’s best orators met on Thursday night, December 13th and battled, with words, for the honor of being Post 247’s Champion in the upcoming American Legion’s County Oratorical Contest held in January. This local contest’s outcome was so very close that the tabulators had to count, re-count and count a third time to ensure the accuracy of their decision! When all the tabulations were finally verified Meghan Lyon was awarded the gold medal. Hana Crawford was the second place winner earning the silver medal; and Clair Hardwick placed third and received the bronze medal. Feras Sleiman and Chris Ziobro received honorable mention. In addition to the medals each candidate received a personally inscribed plaque to commemorate the occasion, charter membership in the Daniel-Jeffers Oratorical Society, flag lapel pins, and a letter of recommendation to the college or school of their choice. Letters of recommendation from national organizations, such as the American Legion, and membership in community organizations like the Oratorical Society are highly valued by college admission boards throughout the country. Letters and memberships like these can be the crucial determining factors for admission to colleges and universities. All those who participated in the competition will also have their names inscribed on a plaque which will enumerate all charter and future members of the Daniel-Jeffers Oratorical Society. This plaque will be presented to the Poolesville High School Principal, Mister Mark Levine, and to the head of the Career Center, Mrs. Cathy Adams, to display as they deem fit within the school. Mr. Levine and Mrs. Adams supported the competition and actively promoted participation. These two individuals are part of the reason that Poolesville High School was recently named among the top one hundred high schools in the nation. Meghan Lyon will continue to compete at the county level in Boyds, Maryland on February 2d. She will speak on her winning topic: “Voting in the USA”. If successful, Meghan could eventually win $18,000 in scholarship money at the national competition held early in 2002. One of the contest judges summed it up best: ”As long as Poolesville High continues to produce candidates with the poise, confidence, and skills these young people have demonstrated…we are all winners.” God bless America! ADOPT–A-CHILD PROGRAM Our adopted child had a birthday in October. Why is that news? In the United States we take birthdays for granted. In the Philippines they are a big deal. To celebrate a birthday means you have successfully dodged disease and famine and poverty’s landmines. I took the liberty of sending a card and a small amount of additional money for a birthday present. Children’s International emphasized it would be a practical gift based on the child’s many needs. They will write to me in a future letter to advise exactly what item they chose for the special event. Past experience would suggest something like a pair of shoes or a new towel, a wash basin…something basic but necessary. I write this not just to keep you updated about “our” child…but also to congratulate you on a job well done. Everyone who takes the time to be a part of this child’s life is a hero. To our child, in the land of hunger and poverty, you are all heroes. I’m very proud to be the go-between for this program. Thanks for your support. May God shine down on you and help you reach many birthdays in your own life. And happy birthday to Mikhail! |