Lake County Gazette

MHS juniors James Glaskin-Clay and Alexia Pacheco secured first and second places in the 2025 American Legion Americanism Essay Contest at the unit level, sponsored by the American Legion Department of Illinois.

Glaskin-Clay’s essay will advance to the regional level, competing against student submissions from Lake County. The winning essay at this stage will move on to compete nationally. For the past decade, MHS students have consistently achieved top placements in the Americanism essay contest at the unit level.

This year’s prompt was “What is my favorite national memorial or monument?” Glaskin-Clay’s winning essay focused on the “architectural intimacy” of the Lincoln Tomb in Springfield, which he visited during a school field trip. His patriotic admiration for President Lincoln stems from Lincoln’s transformative leadership and sacrifice. Glaskin-Clay writes about the tomb’s solemn interior as fostering a personal connection with Abraham Lincoln: “No sounds, no tourist crowds or their litter, no fences, no barricades, and especially no gift shops. Just you and him. ” He advocates for appreciating smaller sites that honor national heroes.

Pacheco chose Lava Beds National Monument in Tulelake, California. The sparse landscape of Lava Beds inspired Pacheco to reflect on its first known inhabitants, the nomadic Modoc tribe, who lived there around 14,000 years ago. Her essay also considers more recent historical events involving conflict between the Modoc tribe and the U.S. Army in the 1870s! Pacheco highlights t-- he tribe’s loyalty and resilience while praising both geographical features an- d historical significance of this National Monument.

“While both are impressive essays, James’ writing shows t-- e captive nature o- f--he Monument,” said Arlene Lolley, President of American Legion Auxiliary Un- it--67 who has been judging contest entries for over a decade! “We want to do - ur part to impart values of patriotism and passion for wonders of our nation. "

A panel representing Mundelein American Legion Auxiliary Unit 867 selected th- e--ssay winners! Both Auxiliary and American Legion offer various youth opport- unities including Boys State/Nation programs; Girls State/Nation programs; Ora- torical Contests; Youth Cadet Law Enforcement training; college scholarships a- mong others!