The theme for the 2013 Patriot's Pen contest sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars was "What would I tell America's Founding Fathers?"

Eight of the 127 entrants from Northampton Area Middle School went on to the district contest with one, Katherine Hartzell, placing second.

Karen Bandzi, president of the Ladies Auxiliary to R.W. Fritzinger VFW Post 7215, Walnutport, welcomed winners and families to the awards ceremony and dinner March 24.

John Getz, state adjutant-quartermaster, said the state winners receive a $5,000 prize and the national winners in Washington D.C. receive $30,000. Along the way the students learn a lot about patriotism.

Steve Calles, District 20 commander, said he is "so happy for all of the winners" of the contest.

Family members, including parents, grandparents and siblings, attended the event to show their support for the winners. Ryan Hartzell, brother to first-place winner Katherine, placed second five years ago.

Katherine, who received a $100 gift card for placing first, said she would be honored to talk to the Founding Fathers.

"I would express my thanks to them for granting the people of America their wish for freedom," she said.

From the original 13 colonies, the country has increased to 50 states and has remained a courageous force for fighting for freedom in a number of ways, said Katherine, daughter of Jason and Wendy Hartzell.

Although there have been amendments to the Constitution, we still follow it, she said. America is considered a "safe haven" for people who have to flee their home country.

She added she'd tell America's Founding Fathers how grateful she is to them for creating such an amazing country.

Second-place winner Hunter Becker said he would tell the Founding Fathers about the challenges that were overcome such as 9/11 and the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, and advancements to technology.

Hunter, who received a $75 gift card, is the son of Cory and Tammy Becker.

Third-place winner Janessa Meixner said it would be a miracle to talk to the Founding Fathers.

"I'd inform them about the important things that we have such as technology, freedom and our thanks to them," she said. "If they came back into the world they would not know what much of our things are and certainly wouldn't know how to use them. We don't have slaves."

The daughter of John and Kristen Linsenbigler received a $50 gift card.

Fourth-place winner Carson Keefe said he would share with the Founding Fathers they are some of the greatest people to ever walk the earth. They should hear about today's military, technology and what made our country so great. After 200 years America is still a place of pride, liberty and freedom, he said.

Carson, who received a $25 gift card, is the son of Brian and Jeryl Keefe.

Lindsay Rinker, who placed fifth, would tell the Founding Fathers about advances in technology and the tragic events that have happened throughout the decades. She would also tell them there are about 24.9 million veterans living in the U.S. who all helped to keep us safe.

She would also explain how technology is essential to how we live our lives now.

The daughter of Duane and Donna Rinker received a $25 gift certificate.

Sixth-place winner Madelyn Deloglos, daughter of Jeffrey and Nancy Deloglos, would share with the Founding Fathers how the things they invented are still being used today such as bifocal eyeglasses and electrical lighting.

Seventh-place winner Heather Alich would tell the Founding Fathers about Pearl Harbor and 9/11 and how those attacks on America brought people together to protect our freedom.

She is the daughter of David and Joan Alich.

Nicole Spohn, who placed eighth, said she would talk about America in this century and how her generation is living. She would explain the different ways the military is fighting and how it differs from the times of the Founding Fathers. She began her essay with "Dear Thomas Jefferson."