(above, l-r) Joe McCourt; Sarah Odim; Cara Argila; Mrs. Argila; Mr. Argila; Ralph Gerace, Assistant Principal of Terrill Middle School; Officer Arthur Bruschetti, SLEO for Terrill Middle School; Dr. Kevin Holloway, Principal of Terrill Middle School; and Dr. Margaret W. Hayes, Superintendent of Schools.
Photo by Scotch Plains-Fanwood Public Schools
On Thursday, February 28, 2019, Cara Argila, an eighth-grade student at Terrill Middle School, was honored in Ms. Odim’s Language Arts class for her participation in the VFW Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest.
Chairman of the contest, Joseph McCourt of Memorial Post 10122 in Scotch Plains-Fanwood, visited the school along with Cara’s family and Dr. Margaret W. Hayes, Superintendent of Schools, to present Cara with the honor of winning first place over 6,000 participants in grades 6 to 8. Cara achieved first place overall in Post 10122, Union County and the State. Cara was presented with a Certificate of Achievement and a monetary award for her essay. Dr. Kevin Holloway, Terrill Middle School Principal, was also presented with a plaque honoring Cara’s achievements, which will be displayed at Terrill until January 2020.
Cara wrote about the topic, “Why I Honor the American Flag”. She expressed her heartfelt appreciation and support for those who served in the many branches of the military, especially her father, uncle and grandfathers. She stated, “My father, uncle and grandfathers all served in the military and I am honored that they protected our country so we can have rights, freedom and privileges.”
Cara’s essay will be entered into the VFW’s National Essay Contest, where she will have an opportunity to win a grand prize scholarship of $5,000. Terrill Middle School and the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Public School District are incredibly proud of Cara on her accomplishments.
Submitted by Patricia Kane
