Karlene Hoch, who will be in eighth grade this fall at Washington Middle School, was honored by the Washington Elks Lodge for her Americanism Essay.
She won first place at local lodge level, first place at district level, and second place at the state level in her age group.
Hoch’s essay titled, "Why Our Veterans Are America's Heroes" focused on Veterans being the true heroes in our nation because of their willingness to sacrifice their lives for us.
Hoch’s English teacher at WMS is Kaylin Bade.