ICMS 8th grader, Trace Dennis, to compete in Washington, DC
Michigan VFW Commander John Griffith with Trace Dennis, 1st place winner for Michigan in the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen competition.
IMLAY CITY — Imlay City Middle School 8th grader Trace Dennis recently competed at the state competition as part of the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen essay contest.
The theme for this year’s essay competition was “My Pledge to Our Veterans.”
Previously, Trace was the essay winner at Imlay City VFW Post 2492, and won again at the VFW’s District competition.
Last weekend (Jan. 27-29), he participated in the Michigan VFW’s Mid-Winter Conference held in Kalamazoo, where he competed against 11 other outstanding student essayists.
It was in Kalamazoo that Trace again earned 1st-place honors and the privilege of representing the State of Michigan at the national competition in Washington, D.C. in March.
In addition to representing Michigan at the national competition, Trace was awarded a $1,000 prize for his winning essay.
Imlay City Middle School teacher Mike LaMarra, who had nominated Trace for inclusion in the Patriot’s Pen contest, acknowledged the many students who submitted essays for consideration.
“Imlay City Schools and Imlay City VFW Post 2492 are very proud of Trace and all the students who took part in this annual competition,” LaMarra said. “We wish him all the best at nationals.”
He added that the winners of the national essay competition will be revealed in the first week of March.
Tom Wearing started at the Tri-City Times in 1989, covering the Village of Capac as a beat reporter. He later served stints as assistant editor and editor. Today, he covers Imlay City and Almont as a staff writer. He enjoys music and plays drums and sings with various musical groups in the Detroit Metropolitan area.
