SARAI SANTIBANEZ, Columbia Middle School 8th grader, won second place at the VFW Northeastern District 1 competition for her essay, “The America I Believe In.” She competed against students from Tyrrell, Chowan, Dare, Gates, Pasquotank, Perquimans and Washington counties. Sarai is shown receiving her $75 prize from Wesley Armstrong (right), Quartermaster for Glenn T. Cahoon Post 10659 in Columbia. (contributed photo)