American Legion creates new essay contest

The American Legion in Thompson Falls is starting a new program in an effort to get more kids involved with the U.S. government and maybe spread a little patriotism.

Representatives from American Legion Post 52 met with seniors of Thompson Falls High School's American Government class Friday morning to promote the Legion's new American Legion Essay Contest, which could lead to cash prizes.

Bill Beck, the Legion's new post commander, Ken Matthiesen, a past post commander, and Morris "Mac" McFarland, who is coordinating the essay program, spent almost 30 minutes talking with the students about the contest and the American Legion.

"We wanted to generate a sense of patriotism and pride in our country," said Matthiesen, who served in the Navy for four years and 24.5 years in the Army Reserves and the National Guard, retiring as a first sergeant. "I don't think patriotism is quite as prevalent as it used to be," said Matthiesen, a Plains resident.

Matthiesen said the contest was created to teach students the value of patriotism and what it means to Americans. "Our goal is to help promote a lifelong respect of our flag and country," said Matthiesen. McFarland led the discussion in Michele McGuigan's class, which was comprised of 18 seniors and one junior. McFarland explained the contest rules and handed out a copy to each student. He also gave the class a brief history of the American Legion, which was established in 1919 and now has a membership of nearly 2 million people worldwide. "It is built on a promise from men and women who swore with their lives to defend and protect the United States of America, you, through military service," he said.

Amy Henderson, the school counselor, invited the Legionnaires to speak to the students. Beck and Matthiesen recently took copies of the essay rules, criteria, deadlines and prizes to high schools in Noxon, Thompson Falls, Plains and Hot Springs, although Matthiesen felt Thompson Falls was the only one that seemed to show any interest. He added that Nancy Winebrenner, the clerk at Hot Springs School, thought it would be a good experience for students.

The contest was designed for high school students only. Participants had the choice to write a one-page essay from three choices - What Does it Mean to be an American? How has the United States Made the World Better? and What Does Freedom and Justice For All Mean? First prize is $75, second is $50 and third place will receive $25. The winners will be notified by May 1 and awards will be presented at the May 16 American Legion meeting at the Elks Lodge in Thompson Falls.

"The goal of the Legion is to strengthen our country by aid to veterans in need, help meet the needs of the community, state and nation, and assist the youth of America to fully understand their part in our nation's future. That's the big reason for our contest," said the 84-year-old McFarland, who was drafted into the Army in 1959.

This contest is a local one, designed by Post 52, but the American Legion has other nationwide contests, such as one called "Americanism," which is for students from third grade to high school seniors. Post 52 also sponsors a summer leadership and citizenship program for high school juniors. The American Legion Boys State and American Legion Auxiliary Girls State programs highlight a student's leadership, character, loyalty and service to their school and community, according to McFarland. The post pays $300 for each person to travel to Fort Harrison, where they and other juniors selected operate local, county and state governments and at one point hold a mock legislature in Helena at the state capitol. Even though Post 52 does not have an Auxiliary, Matthiesen said they will sponsor the girls state program. Josh Clement, the Legion's state director for the program, said they had 52 boys and 60 girls last year. Matthiesen, whose brother-in-law participated in the program in Butte in the 1960s, said that Post 52 has had no applicants for several years. Matthiesen said it's a great program that acquaints young scholars with the legislative process.

Matthiesen hopes that high schoolers will take an interest in the post's new essay contest, but he added that it didn't appear that the school administrators were fully supportive of it. The three men spent some time giving their views on the essay questions and told them background on their military careers. McFarland, a Plains resident, spent four years in the Army. In reference to the essay question "How has the United States Made the World Better?" he pointed out that South Korea is a nation only because of the United States.

Beck feels the essay is a great way for students to connect with their own country. "They're going to have to do some research to do the paper, so they'll learn more in depth the true meaning of patriotism," said the 82-year-old Beck, who served for 26 years in the Navy, mostly as a helicopter crewman, and retired in 1988 as a senior chief.

None of the students raised their hands when asked if any were considering a career in the military, but McGuigan told her students that she would swap out a grade for those who would do one of the essays. She said she might have interest from some of the students. Beck said he knows of one student who plans to enlist in the Army.

Post 52 was also a supporter of a program called " The Love of Liberty Constitution Bowl," which is a Jeopardy-style competition where students will buzz in to answer questions about the U.S. Constitution and be awarded points for correct answers, according to Kate Hardman of Thompson Falls, the primary coordinator. Winners of the Bowl will receive scholarship money, said Hardman, who added that volunteers approached the schools in Sanders County, Libby, Troy and St. Regis about participating. "Some of the schools really liked the idea, but none of the teachers or faculty wanted to dedicate their time to it, except Trout Creek School. As a result, we decided to advertise directly to the community through social media and ask personal acquaintances," said Hardman. There will be seven teams competing.

"I have a great passion for the Constitution and became a Constitution coach through Patriot Academy. I facilitate a six-week course on the Constitution through this organization," said Hardman. "I feel that many of the problems in our country are a result of an uneducated citizenry. The Constitution has not been taught effectively or at all (in some cases) for decades," she added. Trout Creek School will hold a Constitution Bowl contest on May 6.