For the past three years Mundelein High School students have swept the first through third place finishes in the American Legion Americanism Essay Contest. They did it again for 2019 taking the top awards.

Responding to the question “What are my responsibilities as a US citizen?” the MHS students earned the top three prizes along with the Best in Presentation category.

The annual essay contest, in place since 1922, is co-sponsored by the American Legion, the American Legion Auxiliary and the Sons of the American Legion Detachment of Illinois. The local judge is American Legion Auxiliary Unit 867 President Arlene Lolley.

The MHS winners include:  First Place: Mackenzie Stewart, junior; Second Place: Nayeli Torres, senior; Third Place: Charles Fladhammer, senior; and Best in Presentation: Clarissa Weinckowski, senior. Winners receive cash awards and certificates.

“Most of the essays reveal how the students take initiative and make improvements in their communities,” Lolley explained. “Mackenzie’s focused on how she wanted to be the change by establishing a law club called Legal Eagles that focuses on issues that she could tap government officials to help address, such as human trafficking.

A total of 19 area students submitted essays for review.