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)