Feeling patriotic

Eighth-grade English teacher Melissa Fitch (left), joins Sparta Middle School students Nisha Drummond andTana Bramley, and Pete Appaluccio, of the Sparta Elks Club after the two students were named second- and third-place winners, respectively, in an essay contest sponsored by the club. Their essays were responses to the phrase, “What I Feel When I Look Up at the American Flag.” The two eighth graders, members of the “pearl team,” were each presented with a plaque and cash award. Their essays will go on to be judged on the state level. (Photo provided)