Veterans Day Essay Contest

Veterans Day 2022 Essay Contest

Thank you to all who participated in this year’s Student Essay Contest.

Congratulations to our winners: 

Essay Contest Winners Mason Bibby (left) and Katie Wittenbraker (right) at the 2022 Veterans Day Ceremony with Memorial Director Dr. Clay Mountcastle

The winners of the 2022 Veterans Day Essay Contest were:

Middle School: Mason Bibby, 8th grade

North Cross School in Roanoke
Teacher: Mrs. Robin Garrett

Read Mason’s winning essay here

High School: Katie Wittenbraker, 10th Grade

Monacan High School in Chesterfield County
Teacher: Ms. Erica Harris

Read KATIE’s winning essay here

These students were tasked with writing about a Virginian who served in the United States military during the Vietnam War who inspires them, and they certainly rose to the occasion. View them reading their essays during our Veterans Day Ceremony:


Both winners received a gift package, presented by McDonald’s Owner-Operators of Richmond, Tidewater, and Shenandoah Valley, Virginia.


2022 Runners up: 

Middle School: Gunner Mann, 6th Grade, Saint Bridget Middle School
Read Gunner’s Essay Here

High School: Maria Turner, 11th Grade, Patrick County High School
Read Maria’s Essay Here