On May 1, Venice-Nokomis Elks Lodge #1854 presented Alakh Bhatt, first place state winner in the eighth grade division of the Americanism essay contest, a check for $1,000 from the Florida State Elks Association. She read her essay to members at the lodge, where she and her family were guests for dinner. She went on to compete in the national contest.
Pictured are Mr. Bhatt; Alakh Bhatt; Mantra Bhatt, Alakh’s brother; and Mrs. Bhatt. Mantra’s essay won at the district level.