News release
Santa Clarita Elks Lodge No. 2379 proudly recognized Cooper Kehoe, an eighth‑grade member of the Santa Clarita Valley Young Marines, as the first‑place winner in the eighth‑grade division of this year’s Elks Americanism Essay Contest, the Elks announced in a news release.
Kehoe answered this year’s theme, “What does service to your country mean to you,” with a thoughtful and heartfelt essay reflecting patriotism and personal commitment, the release said.
The lodge presented Kehoe with a certificate, a trophy and a $100 cash award. The Young Marines volunteer at the lodge throughout the year, the release said.
Several other Santa Clarita students also participated in the contest, which is open annually to fifth through eighth graders, with a new theme announced each July.
