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New Salem American Legion Auxiliary, Unit 753, recently presented Americanism Essay medal and monetary awards to students at Menallen Elementary. This year’s theme was “What Does Patriotism Mean to You?”. Pictured (from left) are Celina Esposito, Class II 2nd place winner; Savannah Bowen, Class II 3rd place winner; auxiliary member Irene Marshall; Mollie Petrucci, Class I 1st place winner; auxiliary member Gloria Magerko, and Gracie Thompson, Class II 1st place winner.

Submitted photo

Quilts of Valor were recently presented to three local veterans to honor their military service. The Quilts of Valor Foundation, a national organization, worked in correlation with the New Salem American Legion Auxiliary Unit 753. Pictured (from left) are Chuck Stiner and Jeri Stiner, quit presenters; Frank Marshall (Vietnam War); Irene Marshall; Jim Boyd (Vietnam War); Elaine “Pixie” Boyd; Steve Voytek (Korean War); Josephine Voytek, and Rosemary Reagan, president of the auxiliary.

Submitted photo

New Salem American Legion Auxiliary Unit 753 recently presented a $500 Merit Scholarship to Christopher Santos of Smithfield, a recent graduate of Albert Gallatin Area High School. He is the son of Robert Santos and the late Jill Meyokovich. Pictured (from left) are Irene Marshall, scholarship committee member; Beth Smearcheck, unit scholarship chairperson; Christopher Santos; Mary Ann Meyokovich, Santos’ grandmother, and Emily Brumfield, scholarship committee member.