Each year, NEOPAT has the privilege of seeing patriotism come to life through the thoughtful words of Northeast Ohio’s youngest writers—and this year was no exception. NEOPAT was once again honored to support the St. Albert the Great School Veterans’ Day Essay Contest, a powerful tradition that has been inspiring students for more than a decade.
The contest challenges 5th and 6th grade students to interview a veteran in their family or community, then write an essay reflecting on the veteran’s service and the meaning of Veterans Day. It’s a simple concept with a tremendous impact: students gain a personal connection to military service, learn the importance of honoring those who serve, and develop a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices made to protect our freedoms. Programs like this mirror NEOPAT’s dedication to fostering patriotism and awareness through community engagement and education.
To support and encourage these young storytellers, NEOPAT awards a $500 Patriot Scholarship to each of the four top essay authors, selected by St. Albert’s faculty. On November 7, NEOPAT Senior Advisor Emeritus Rick DeChant proudly presented this year’s recipients with their scholarships, congratulating them on their heartfelt work and commitment to honoring our nation’s heroes.
A special salute goes to Barb Barbo, the program coordinator whose dedication has helped this initiative flourish into a meaningful and long-standing tradition for the school. Thanks to her passion and guidance, hundreds of students have connected with veterans over the years, forming bonds and conversations that make Veterans Day personal and memorable.
NEOPAT is proud to stand behind programs that educate, inspire, and elevate the next generation of patriotic leaders. By empowering students to learn from the veterans in their lives, we continue to strengthen the roots of gratitude, service, and community across Northeast Ohio.
