St. Patrick Catholic High School eighth grader Amy Elizabeth Veale has been selected as the Mississippi Patriot’s Pen 2010-2011 State Essay winner. Patriot’s Pen is a patriotic writing contest for 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th grade students. The 300 to 400 word essay theme is prescribed by the VFW Commander-in-Chief and is different each year.  

Elizabeth won by submitting her essay, “Does Patriotism Still Matter?” to Biloxi VFW Post 2434. As local winner, she advanced to the District and State Levels. She will present her essay on February 13 at the District Meeting of Post 4526 in Gulfport where she will be presented $100 for the District Award. She will also receive an all-expense paid trip to Tupelo, MS where she will present her essay at the VFW State Convention from June 24-26, 2011.   Her essay has now been submitted to be judged at the national level along with fifty-three other state winners.  The 1^st Place National Winner will receive a $10,000 U.S. Savings Bond and an all-expense paid trip to Washington, DC in March.

The daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Grimes of Biloxi, Elizabeth is a Principal’s Honor Roll student at St. Patrick. She is a member of the National Junior Honor Society and is a Student Council representative, a cheerleader and a member of the track team.