By John M. Holman, Post Chaplain
Hamptons’ American Legion Post #35
June 12, 2003
HAMPTON — The Hamptons’ American Legion Post #35, presented the American Legion School Awards recently in the eighth grades of the Hampton Academy Junior High School, the North Hampton School, the Lincoln H. Akerman School in Hampton Falls, and the Sacred Heart School in Hampton.
[Photo right:] HIGHLY DISTINGUISHED – Hamptons’ American Legion Post #35 Chaplain John Holman (standing, left) is pictured here presenting the Legion’s Certificate of Distinguished Achievement to Brenda Shepard (standing, right), a member of the Hampton Academy Junior High School Class of 2003. Similar presentations were made by Post #35 during graduation ceremonies at Lincoln Ackerman, North Hampton and Sacred Heart Schools. [Atlantic News Photo by Liz Premo]
The “Certificate of Honorable Mention” is given in recognition of outstanding scholarship and achievement acquired as runners-up in THE AMERICAN LEGION SCHOOL AWARD PROGRAM. In further recognition of accomplishment and the development of the qualities of Courage, Leadership, Honor, Service and Scholarship.”
In the Hampton Academy Junior High School, the runners-up were Ashley Burness and Stephen Wilson.
In the North Hampton School, the runners-up were Katie McCay and Tom Carroll.
In the Lincoln H. Akerman School in Hampton Falls, the runners-up were Melissa Castle and Eric Hartenstein.
In the Sacred Heart School, the runners-up were Peter Tran and Jessica Hazell.
The “Certificate of Distinguished Achievement” is given “in recognition of attainment acquired as winners of THE AMERICAN LEGION SCHOOL AWARD. In further recognition of the possession of those high qualities of Courage, Honor, Leadership, Patriotism, Scholarship and Service which are necessary to the preservation and protection of the fundamental institutions of our government and the advancement of society.”
In the Hampton Academy Jr. High School, the winners were Brenda Shepard and Matthew Flynn.
In the North Hampton School, the winners were Anna Kane and Vincent Blanchett.
In the Lincoln H. Akerman School in Hampton Falls, the winners were Gabrielle Knight and Dieter Brommer.
In the Sacred Heart School, the winners were Jennifer Thomas and Justin Gagnon.
These American Legion awards have been presented throughout the United State for many years. This year, they were awarded in each of the schools through the auspices of the Hamptons’ American Legion Post #35, Ralph G. Fatello, Commander.