Laura Young
ECB Publishing, Inc.
The Fleet Reserve Association's National Committee on Americanism-Patriotism announced on May 10 the national level winners in this year’s essay contest. Congratulations to Monticello's own Anna Dollar! She won first place nationally in the Grade 10 category for her essay on the topic of “What the United States Flag Stands For.” Her prize is $1,000.
Dollar's essay had first won at the local level, Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) Branch 34, and then advanced to the Southeast Region. Then her essay went on to win first place for Grade 10 in the FRA Southeast Region and advanced to FRA National.
Dollar says, “Even though I don’t think I deserve it, this win means a lot to me, and I am highly grateful to all the people who made it possible.”
From the parent's point of view, Michelle Dollar said, “I appreciate the Fleet Reserve Association giving the students the opportunity to reflect on our
country and how important our freedom is. Her father and I are very proud of Anna Kate and the blessing she is to us.”
FRA Branch 34 Secretary Alex Topicz (U.S. Navy, Ret.) said, “This is the first time in ten years that anyone in the Southeast Region has placed nationally, let alone won. We are so happy for [Anna] and her family. What a great achievement for [the] homeschool group. Congratulations.”
Dollar has been awarded certificates and monetary awards at every level of the competition, culminating in the $1,000 prize for placing first among tenth-grade essays at the national level.
FRA is a lobbying fraternity that advocates on behalf of active duty, reserve and veteran personnel in the Sea Services, including the Marines, Coast Guard and Navy. It has served as their voice on Capitol Hill for more than 96 years. Today, it works with 35 other military and veterans' organizations to represent their interests to the government. They also sponsor legislative seminars across the country to inform Sea Services personnel about governmental actions that affect them. For more information, visit www.fra.org.
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