The Polk County Memorial VFW Post #9116 and Ladies Auxiliary recently held a recognition banquet to honor the Patriot’s Pen winner for their Post. Danielle Greer, daughter of Al and Rebecca Tinsley of Columbus, was presented a U.S. Flag, a Buddy Poppy, a certificate and a monetary award by VFW Post Commander Scott Camp and Ladies Auxiliary to VFW President Joyce Preston.

Greer was also the second place winner for the N.C. VFW 16th District and received a certificate from N.C. Ladies Auxiliary VFW 16th District President Bessie Bright. The Patriot’s Pen is a nationwide youth essay competition the VFW sponsors to give students in the sixth, seventh and eighth an opportunity to write essays expressing their views on democracy with the prospect of winning US Saving Bonds. This year’s theme was “Does Patriotism Still Matter?” School Superintendent Bill Miller was there to see his student from Polk County Middle be honored.