Forty-Five SOMS Students Participate in Annual Patriot’s Pen

SOCSD was recently honored to welcome members of the Raymond W. DeMeola Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Memorial Post 1615 as we celebrated our young writers. Along with Commander John Antonucci, they recognized 45 students (not all pictured, but listed below) from South Orangetown Middle School — the largest number of participants to date — who submitted essays as part of the annual VFW Patriot’s Pen competition. Congratulations to all!

The theme for 2025-26 presented the question, “How are you showing patriotism and support for our country?” The winner, Grace G., received a medal, certificate and cash award for her entry as well as had it read aloud by Assistant Principal Stephanie Grace. “Patriotism is not just a word,” said AP Grace. "It is a commitment to values like freedom, responsibility and unity. The future of our nation is bright because it rests in the hands of thoughtful and engaged citizens like all of you."

Last month, we shared how each of our schools recognized Veterans Day this year — including SOMS. In addition to the annual Hometown Heroes walking field trip taken during social studies classes (which also encourages participation in the Patriot’s Pen competition), the Student Council took part in the Disabled American Veterans' Field of Flags service project. Well done, all! 

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Gavin L., Sean K., Cheyenne D., Declan K., Kim C., Brendan S., Connor H., Tristan K., Riley N., Fionn R., Gabriella M., Isla H., Iris M., Celia C., Caroline S., Grace G., Magdalyn C., Matthew C., Maya N., Geoffrey T., Sophia O., Emerson R., Sabrina A., Abigail R., Oskar Y., Hanya L., Margot D., Bryan W., Damien V., Emilia B., Josue R., Grace W., Hannah C., Penelope R., Bryanna E., Jenfil M., Luna F., Isabel R., Zoe B., Fiona M., Riley H., Gabriella C., Carmela C., Rachel M. and Rishit G.