Taylor Burkel, eighth grade winner of the Patriot’s Pen, with her classmates.

By Brayden Peterson We call upon them to come to arms and defend our flag. They fight for us to be free, ready to act on a moment’s notice. Veterans put their lives on the line to keep this country free, and that’s why we honor them. They protect the very sanctity of our daily lives, and that’s why we have Veteran’s Day. We honor all our veterans on this day, so that we never forget the service they have given to us, and so that they likewise never forget how we are so very grateful for their service and sacrifice. While we honor our veterans, Woonsocket School would also like to honor two of its students as well. This year’s Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest winners were Taylor Burkel, eighth grade, and Abby Doering, seventh grade. Burkel received a first place award for her age group and Doering received a second place award for her age group. Both essays will be submitted to the Patriot’s Pen Regional Essay Competition, where they will have a chance to go onto the state and National levels. At the Patriot’s Pen National Competition, 46 student essays, per age group, have a chance to win savings bonds from $1,000 up to $10,000 for first place! Congratulations and good luck to both Taylor and Abby.