From left, are Bob Dockery, VFW; Joella Hauselman, Edgewood Middle School principal; Dr. David Hoffert, Warsaw Community Schools superintendent; Gwen Bowman, Edgewood eight-grader; Mark Bowman, Gwen’s father; and Abbi Richcreek, Edgewood PLTW teacher. Photo provided by Warsaw Community Schools.

Press Release

WARSAW — Edgewood Middle School eighth-grader Gwen Bowman won a $500 award contest held by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Local Post 1126.

This is the third year Edgewood teacher Abbi Richcreek’s students have entered the writing contest. Last year’s winner was Aeva Ashenfelter. 2019’s winner was Haley Rodewald. This contest is held at the local, regional, state and national levels.

Richcreek is a Project Lead The Way (PLTW) teacher at Edgewood who is passionate about inspiring her students to take full advantage of opportunities to grow. This was not a classroom or homework assignment, but rather an invitation to go above and beyond. Richcreek would like to thank all student participants for giving their time and talent to write a 300 to 400 word essay that expressed their thoughts on this year’s annual theme: “How Can I Be A Good American?”

The award was presented by past Commander, Bob Dockery, from VFW’s Post 1126.

“The review board chose Gwen’s essay out of several local entries,” said Keith Lemler, current commander. “The entries this year were extremely enticing and encouraging to see from a group of young adults. The board just thought Gwen’s essay expressed what our local VFW Post 1126 views represent.

“I am so thankful to have won this essay contest,” said Bowman. “This allows me the opportunity to put the money toward college.”

A copy of Bowman’s essay can be found on Edgewood’s website under the ‘News’ section.