On the morning of May 29, Memorial Day 2017, three young authors were recognized in this 31st annual Glendale Memorial Day Essay Contest.

This annual contest has become an iconic part of Glendale's Memorial Day celebration, one that is eagerly anticipated by Glendale 4th, 5th, & 6th grade elementary students, providing them an opportunity to pause and examine the importance of the lives and sacrifice of our American soldiers and the impact that these have on the freedom and privilege that we enjoy.

The panel of judges deliberated to choose winning essays from all the wonderful student submissions. Papers recounted family traditions and shared acknowledgement and appreciation of the quality of life and privilege that we, as Americans, enjoy because of the sacrifice of our fallen heroes.

Each of the three winning authors received a beautiful medal to commemorate the day.

Congratulations to:

3rd place is awarded to Meera Shaw, a 5th grader at Bethany School,

2nd place is awarded to Kyleigh Earls, a 5th grader at Glendale Elementary School,

and

1st place is awarded to Jordan Kolpek, a 6th grader at the St. Gabriel Consolidated Schools.