Each year, several organizations on Fort Riley hold an annual art and essay contest for elementary school students. Students of military families are encouraged to write an essay or create a piece of art that shows how military families thrive amidst the unique struggles they face.
Students from throughout USD 475 submitted their stories and artwork to be voted on by the military community. Their works were on display in several buildings on post, with each building that displayed the works contributing to the ultimate prizes the students could win. Prizes included items like a fishing pole, a Nerf gun, a Chick-fil-A gift card, Commissary gift cards, and a scholarship grant.
The first-place winner in each category also won a pizza party for her entire class. The two winners will receive a plaque to display in each school with the winner’s name engraved on it. Each plaque will remain in the school until next year’s contest.
This year’s first-place award for the art portion went to Madison Gravigan from Seitz Elementary. Second place went to a fellow student from Seitz, Blaiklee Roman, and third went to Rylie Garcia, from Fort Riley Elementary.
The first-place winner in the essay category was awarded to Zemirah Witt from Spring Valley Elementary. The second-place winner was Leilani Haasenritter, and third place was awarded to Konstance Gilveli, both from Seitz Elementary.
The students received their awards at the Fort Riley Town Hall meeting on Wednesday, December 11th, held at the Riley Community Center. They were recognized in front of many top Fort Riley officials, and Col. Schrader was on hand to give the awards and take photos with the students.
Congratulations to the students!