On 10 January 2016, the 14th District of the American Legion, State of Ohio, was proud to recognize and present certificates to the six winners of the Americanism and Government testing program for the 2015 - 2016 school year. 14th District Commander, Rich Masterson presented the certificates to the winners during the District Winter Conference held at American Legion Post 281 in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio.
850 examinations were given to students at seven high schools in Summit and Portage Counties.The competitors were pared down to six, two from the senior, junior and sophomore classes, one man and one woman from each class. The six were selected, based on their score on a fifty question examination, covering the United States Flag, the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution and questions on State, County, local and school governments. Additionally, the students were required to answer an essay question on a current topic, 300 words or less. Statewide the level of competition really heats up, a total of 58,000 who tested will be reduced to 84 winners from the various Districts and then the State judging committee select the final 18 winners, nine young men and nine young women, three from each class. The 18 finalists receive a 5 day, all expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C. and Gettysburg, PA. A highlight of the trip is the opportunity to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery. This is an honor the Ohio American Legion and the Ohio American Legion Auxiliary has had since 1936.
These tests are administered yearly through the joint effort of the local American Legion Posts and American Legion Auxiliary Units. The winners in the 14th District were, Seniors Emelie Fippin, Our Lady of the Elms HS, sponsored by Post/Unit 209 in Akron, and Bryce Chekan, Manchester HS, sponsored by Post/Unit 566 in Akron. Junior winners, Logan Showalter, Our Lady of the Elms HS, sponsored by Post/Unit 209 in Akron and Ian Doemling, Aurora HS, sponsored by Post/Unit 803 in Aurora. Sophomore winners, both from Copley HS and sponsored by Post/Unit 473, in Copley, were Samantha Darr and Thomas Varley. At the Mid-Winter Convention, Jerry White, Department Americanism & Youth Activities Director, notified the District Americanism chairs of the Department A&G winners. Post 473, Copley Commander and 14th District Americanism Chair, Mike Corathers, was pleased to learn that Copley student, Thomas Varley was selected as a Department winner. We are proud to extend congratulations to him and his family.
Ranking in the top 1% of those tested in Summit and Portage Counties, these students exemplify what can be accomplished through study and hard work within our local school systems.
Submitted by:
Mike Corathers
American Legion Post 473, Commander
14th District Americanism Programs Chairperson
American Legion Frank Bender Post 473