From left, are Dr. David Robertson, Commander Bob Dockery, Lillian Dunbar, JoElla Hauselman, and Abbi Richcreek. Photo provided by Warsaw Community Schools.

Press Release

WARSAW — Edgewood Middle School teacher Abbi Richcreek announced that her eighth-grade student Lillian Dunbar won a $500 award contest held by the Veterans of Foreign Wars local Post 1126.

This is the fourth year Richcreek’s students entered the writing contest. Last year’s winner was Gwen Bowman. 2020’s winner was Aeva Ashenfelter, and 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 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: “My Pledge to Our Veterans.”

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

“The review board chose Lillian’s essay out of several local entries,” said current Commander Ken Archer. “The entries this year were extremely enticing and encouraging to see from a group of young adults. The board just thought Lillian’s essay expressed what our local Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1126 views represent.”

“I am grateful to VFW for this opportunity to win funds which I will save for my future education,” said Dunbar. “I am also thankful for the veterans that allow us our current freedoms.”

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