Hundreds of essays poured into the Middleboro Elks Lodge from Mullein Christian Hill Academy students and the lodge selected the eight best to honor as part of their patriotism essay contest.

The contest was for sixth through eighth grade students at the non-denominational Christian school in Lakeville. In a ceremony held March 27, the eight students were honored for their work.

For eight grade, first place was Chris Wainwright, second place was John Farese, and third place was Levi Cowell.

In the seventh grade, Ava Rodrigues took first place and Landon Teves took second place.

Sixth graders had a tie for 1st place which was Caycee Inglis and Tori Schell.