Each year, juniors at Lexington High School have the opportunity to participate in the town’s Veterans Day Essay Contest, an event that encourages students to learn about the experiences of military veterans and reflect on the significance of their service. Students are invited to submit essays honoring veterans from any era, researching Lexington’s veteran history, or highlighting personal connections to military service. The winners of this year’s contest were Magnolia Newman and Sophia Kao. 

This year’s contest coincides with several notable anniversaries: the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Lexington, the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, and the 50th anniversary of the conclusion of the Vietnam War. Students were encouraged to interview veterans or research historical records to illuminate the sacrifices and contributions of those who served.

Some participants explored family histories, connecting personal stories to broader historical events.

“I was drawn to this topic because many of my family members participated in different wars and represented their countries. Not only was I able to take from my American side of the family, but also my Japanese side, allowing me to get a grasp of both sides of a war and the brutality of both,” Newman said. 

Newman’s essay, Both Sides of Silence, helped break the silence surrounding the Second World War and the stories of veterans in her family. Researching her own family’s involvement in the war brought their history of service into sharp focus.

“I contacted my grandfather on my father’s side, and he was able to help me find information on both my great-grandfather and my great-uncle, who both served in WW2. He also added his own personal information that added to the weight of war even after it had ended,” Newman said. 

Throughout the process of creating their essays, students began to understand that Veterans Day is more than a day of acknowledgment—it is a day to speak and connect.

 “Sharing stories…[about] family members and friends is what really brings people together and shows the importance of Veterans Day and what veterans continue to represent,” Newman said.

The essays were published in a commemorative booklet, and the winners were invited to read their work at the annual Veterans Day breakfast and ceremony hosted by the Lexington Town Celebrations Committee on Nov. 11.

“When I heard I won, I was very surprised. I was not expecting my story to touch the audience as much as it did. I am deeply appreciative of the recognition my essay received, and I could not be more proud to represent my family,” Newman said.

Beyond personal growth, the contest highlighted the value of connecting students to their families.

“These types of activities are so important for LHS. It is an opportunity to become closer to your family and family [history]. I was able to gain information I had never thought to uncover, and I am a better person because of it,” Newman said.