The City of Carmel honored veterans Nov. 10 at the annual Veterans Day Ceremony at The Tarkington Theater at The Center for The Performing Arts. Mayor Jim Brainard was joined by keynote speaker American Legion, Department of Indiana, District 6 Commander Yvonne Kraemer, the Carmel Elementary School Choir and the Actors Theatre of Indiana “Andrews Sisters.” The winners of the Veterans Day Poster and Essay Contests were also recognized at the ceremony. Students from local elementary schools took part in the Poster Contest, while Middle School and High School students were asked to participate in the Essay Contest. This year’s theme was “Home of the Brave.”
Finalists for the poster contest were chosen by grade level from each participating school. Board members of the Carmel Arts Council selected one citywide winner in each grade from among the entries. The winning posters were chosen based on best representation of the theme, focus on veterans and creativity. The winning posters were displayed at the City’s Veterans Day Ceremony and each student received a certificate of achievement from the Mayor. The finalist posters are up for viewing at the Monon Community Center on the second floor’s main hallway until Nov. 14.
The winners of the “Home of the Brave” Poster contest are as follows:
Kindergarten: Dax Chlystun, West Clay Elementary
1st Grade: Darcy Brady, Towne Meadow Elementary
2nd Grade (tie): Aleksa Aiello, Carmel Elementary
2nd Grade (tie): Michael Kurniadi, Prairie Trace Elementary
3rd Grade: Hailey Thomas, West Clay Elementary
4th Grade: Pierce Nguyen, Towne Meadow Elementary
5th Grade: Audrey Kunce, Carmel Elementary
The panel of judges from Veterans Organizations chose the winning essays based on best representation of the theme, focus on veterans, strength of message, and proper use of grammar. Students were invited to read their winning essays during the ceremony, and each received a certificate of achievement from the Mayor. A list of the Carmel Veterans Day Essay Contest winners can be found on the city’s website atwww.CarmelVeteransDay.org.
The winners of the “Home of the Brave” Essay contest are as follows:
6th Grade: Isabelle Woodward, Clay Middle School
7th Grade: Madison Patel, Clay Middle School
8th Grade: Katie Phan, Clay Middle School
12th Grade: Emily Tatum, Carmel High School
“I am very pleased with the quality and depth of the posters and essays honoring our veterans. This year’s theme helped students think about the sacrifices made by others to maintain their freedoms. By looking at the posters, and hearing the meaningful messages of the essays, it is obvious that these students understand what it means to be a veteran and the importance of thanking those who have served our country,” said Mayor Jim Brainard.
