On Wednesday, three St. James Elementary students were recognized for their work in the Fifth Grade Flag Essay Contest sponsored by The American Legion of Iowa.

Fifth-grader Cora Minino was awarded third place, second went to Kara Widdel, and the top essay at St. James was written by Elian Ramirez. Their task was to write a one-page essay reflecting on what the American Flag means to them. Members of the Washington American Legion Post 29 then selected the winners.

Post 29 Commander, Michael York was at St. James Wednesday to recognize all students who participated in the contest, and hand out awards. The top three were given a certificate commemorating the achievement, and for first place Ramirez additionally earned a folded up United States Flag in a wooden case. When asked what he would do with his awards, Ramirez told KCII, “I might hang the flag in my bedroom or I might put it on a shelf. We have a shelf in our living room where we put some stuff so I might put this in there.”

Ramirez, Minino, and Widdel were also recognized by the American Legion members at a separate ceremony on Tuesday.