Maggie Mikula shows off her Certificate of Distinction.

BROCTON — An awards luncheon was held last month at the Brocton American Legion Post 434 to honor the 2020 winners of the essay contest entitled “What the Flag Means to Me,” sponsored by the American Legion.

The essay contest was open to all Chautauqua County fourth-grade students. With more than 1,000 entries, this year’s winner was Maggie Mikula, daughter of Kevin and Julie Mikula of Fredonia.

Her essay focused on her admiration for the honorable service her grandfather, Daniel Mikula, and her great-grandfather, Ignatius Mikula, provided for our country during the Vietnam War and World War II, respectively.

For her first-place finish, Maggie received a framed Certificate of Distinction as well as a $100 cash prize. The essay was submitted as part of Ms. Jill Putnam’s fourth-grade class project at Fredonia Elementary School. Maggie is currently a fifth-grade student at Northern Chautauqua Catholic School.