Photo: Floyd County Schools

A Duff-Allen Central Elementary student has won first place in the regional level of the VFW Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest. Lauren Gearheart, an 8^th grade student at Duff-Allen Central Elementary, placed first and will advance to state competition. The Annual Patriot Pen Essay Contest is sponsored by the local VFW Post and gives students the opportunity to write about different patriotic themes. This year’s theme is “America’s Gift to My Generation.” The first level of competition begins locally, with the Walter Karr Bowling VFW Post 5839 in Prestonsburg. From there, the top three winning essays move on to district level, then state. One state winner will advance to national competition. National prizes range from $500 to first place receiving $5000.