The Flora Elks Lodge 1659 is proud to announce the winners of the 2025-2026 Americanism Essay Contest. This year, students were challenged to reflect on the poignant theme: "What Does Service to Your Country Mean to You?"
We would like to extend a huge congratulations to our two Clay City Junior High students who placed:
Lucas Pruitt (8th Grade Division)
Raeley Rawls (6th Grade Division)
The excellence of our local students didn’t stop at the lodge level. We are thrilled to share that Lucas Pruitt represented Clay City and the Flora Lodge exceptionally well at the next stage of the competition. In the Illinois Elks South Central District contest, Lucas earned Second Place in the 8th grade division!
Lucas’s essay is officially moving on to the State level for judging. This is a significant achievement that speaks to his hard work and his perspective on the values that define our country. Join us in wishing Lucas the best of luck as his essay heads to the Illinois State competition!
Congratulations again to Lucas and Raeley for representing Clay City Junior High so well, and thank you to Mrs. Hutton for encouraging the students to write and participate!
