Once again, the American Legion Post 401 is calling all essays on safety, according to its Commander Gary Cooper.
By Jennifer M. Larkin, Special Writer
Once again, the American Legion Post 401 is calling all essays on safety, according to its Commander Gary Cooper.
”It’s interesting, year after year, to read what safety means to our youth,” he said.
Mr. Cooper has been an American Legion member for 10 years and said that the essay contest started well before that time.
According to Mr. Cooper, the panel of judges consists of Vietnam and World War II veterans whose concept of safety was a lot different than the current generation.
”First place receives a gift card and then goes on to win a county check and compete in the state contest,” Mr. Cooper said.
Last year’s winner, Soorya Suresh, an eighth grade student at Crossroads North Middle School, took first place at Post 401 and second place in Middlesex County for her interesting take on safety in relation to cyber bullying, said Mr. Cooper.
The essay contest is open to 6-8th grade students of South Brunswick that are enrolled in public, private, or parochial schools, according to Mr. Cooper.
”The topic, ‘What Safety Means to Me,’ must be certified by a teacher, be between 300-450 words, and may be written on a computer, typewriter, or by hand as long as it is legible with hand written essays receiving extra credit,” Mr. Cooper said.
Coverage of topic, grammar, neatness, spelling, originality, general appearance will be factors in the judging, according to Mr. Cooper.
The deadline for submission is Jan. 10.
For complete information or to participate send essays to The American Legion, Post 401, PO Box 82 Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852, or email [email protected].

