May 02, 2022
Americanism Recognition
The Cahaba Valley Elks Lodge of Pelham, Alabama is proud to announce the winners of this year’s annual Americanism Essay Contest sponsored by the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. The theme of this year’s contest was “What does it mean to love your country?” Essays were judged from over 400 entries statewide. Awards were made for First Place at the local, district, and state levels of the competition. Winners of this annual contest were recognized at the Lodge’s Youth Banquet.
Division I – 6th Grade State Winner
The winner for Division I is HMS 6thgrader Jeffrey Chapman from Alan Wilson’s social studies class. In Jeffrey’s winning essay he expressed the importance of knowing the significance and history of national holidays, the importance of preserving our nation’s natural beauty, and the significance of supporting the next generation of citizens. Jeffrey, his teacher Alan Wilson, and his parents were recognized at the Cahaba Valley Elks Lodge Youth Banquet. Left to right: teacher, Alan Wilson; Lodge Americanism chairman, Howard Prater, student Jeffrey Chapman, parents Jeffrey and Anna Marie Chapman.
Division II – 7th Grade Essay Winner
The winner for Division II is Pelham Park Middle School 7th grader Rylan Glasgow from Michael Wheeler’s social studies class. Rylan and his parents were recognized at the Cahaba Valley Elks Lodge Youth Banquet. In Rylan’s winning essay he expressed the importance of showing respect to those who have done so much for this country. He went on to say that one should always take pride in all that makes America so great. Finally, he reminds all that if you point out the country’s flaws, it is your responsibility to fix it. Left to Right Americanism Chairman Howard Prater, student, Rylan Glasgow, and parents Amanda and Joel Glasgow.
JROTC Recognition
The Cahaba Valley Elks Lodge recognize JROTC Cadets who have proven him or herself to be a true leader in Academic Achievement, as well as Community Service Projects, and one who maintains the highest standards of performance in all fields of endeavor.
THOMPSON HIGH
The representative of the Thompson High School JROTC program was Christian Howell who was nominated by Commander Lt Col Jason Davis.
From left to right: Elks JROTC Chairman Cherie Huey, LTC Davis, Cadet Howel, Parents Christopher and Christy Howel.
VINCENT HIGH
The representative of Vincent High School JROTC program was Cadet Noah Tetreault who was nominated by Commander CSM Tim Harrison and Mary Kyser.
From left to right: Elks JROTC Chairman Cherie Huey, CSM Harrison, Cadet Tetreault, Natassia Tetreault, Mary Kyser, and Mathew Tetreault.
Grand Lodge Scholarship Recognition
The Cahaba Valley Elks Lodge presents a $4000 Grand Lodge Scholarship Awarded to Ranee Brady from Vestavia Hills.
From left to right: Scholarship Chairman Bob Shinpaugh, Ranee and her parents, Anu and Christopher Brady.
Hoop Shoot Recognition
The Cahaba Valley Elks Lodge Hoop Shoot is a free throw shooting contest. This activity provides an opportunity for children to Compete, Connect and Succeed. Boys and girls compete separately within age groupings: 8-9; 10-11; and 12-13. The first competition is held at the Lodge level in January, with the winners in each category advancing through the District, State, Regional and National competitions.
Gabie Bradley, a student at Thompson Middle, placed 2nd in the Regional Hoop Shoot Contest. She has competed in the Lodge’s annual Hoop Shoot Contest held in January since she was 9 years old. Gabie plans to compete again next year.
From left to right: Hoop Chairman Bob Shinpaugh, Gabie and her parents Jasmine and Rod Bradley.