The Veterans of Foreign Wars John Boyd Post No. 7318 hosted an awards ceremony on Monday, Dec. 5, honoring The O'Neal School winners of the top three awards at the post level of the Patriot's Pen essay writing contest.

This year's theme was "Are You Proud of Your Country?"

The prize-winning essayists are seventh-grader Kyle McClelland, son of Lisa and Bill McClelland, of Sanford; eighth-grader Alexandra Parrish, daughter of Michelle and Gary Beaver, of Carthage; and sixth-grader Will Keller Jr., son of Susan and Carter Keller, of Sanford. The top two entries were judged at the district level. Alexandra Parrish was the District 9 winner, and Kyle McClelland placed second.

Also recognized was O'Neal Upper School student Leah Samaras, daughter of Karen and Charles Samaras, of Pinehurst, who was the third runner-up in the Voice of Democracy Audio Essay contest for her essay on "Is There Pride in Serving in Our Military?"

O'Neal Middle and Upper School Latin teacher Josh Roberts received the National Education Teacher Citizenship Award, which is sponsored by the Men and Ladies Auxiliary of VFW Post 7318.

This award was given in honor of Roberts' efforts in teaching citizenship and encouraging students to make the right choices while teaching Latin and coaching them in cross country and track. His nomination will be sent forward to the district level.

"Much appreciation is given to O'Neal Middle School teacher Kristie Wolferman for her efforts and encouragement to her students to participate in the Patriots Pen Essay Contest each year," says a spokesman.

The O'Neal School is celebrating 40 years of being a college preparatory, independent day school. Presently, it serves students from pre-kindergarten age 3 through 12th grade.

O'Neal is dedicated to the development of academic excellence, strength of character and physical well-being of its students in an environment where self-discipline, integrity and consideration for others are fundamental. The school is dually accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS). All of its graduates are accepted into colleges and universities across the nation. Transportation services and financial aid are available.