During the eighth-grade awards and promotion ceremony held at Garden Spot Middle School (GSMS) on the evening of June 2, an eighth-grade boy and an eighth-grade girl each received the annual American Legion Award.

Grade eight assistant principal Cory Ilgenfritz opened the assembly, greeting honored guests, including New Holland American Legion Conestoga Post 662 commander Erin Magee, who presented the awards. "We have an opportunity to celebrate our learners this evening," said Ilgenfritz, who asked students present to turn to those who came with them and thank them for the love, grace, and support they have given. He also thanked parents, guardians, and community members for their support of school faculty and staff. Addressing the Class of 2026, he said, "It has been a memorable two years filled with extraordinary challenges. We have seen you grow. We have seen many acts of kindness." Referencing a Positive Behavior Intervention System (PBIS), which is being used at the middle school to teach behavior and socialization skills, he noted that students have been recognized 3,000 times for demonstrating the Spartan Way Creed, which focuses on "Doing what's right, doing our best, and doing for others."

Ilgenfritz then introduced the American Legion Award, saying that it is given to students who are recognized for displaying characteristics as set forth by the American Legion. "The award (is) given to a student who possesses the qualities of courage, honor, leadership, patriotism, scholarship, and service, which are necessary for the preservation and protection of the fundamental institutions of our government and the advancement of society," he explained. According to Ilgenfritz, eighth-grade students nominated their peers at the beginning of May, and the names of the top three boys and girls nominated were presented to staff members for selection.

Magee took to the podium for the presentation, saying, "(Receiving the award) should be considered a building block in the foundation of the character of the recipients and serve as an indication of their future status as outstanding members of the community." He then named the winners of the 2022 American Legion Award: Mia Janae Parry and Gabe Michael Martin.

Mia is the daughter of Darren and Marcia Parry of New Holland. At school, Mia is a leader with Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Outside school, she swims with the Lancaster Aquatic Club. Marcia said that the family received a call prior to the awards ceremony letting them know that Mia had won. "We kept it a secret," said Marcia, noting that she and Darren are both very proud of their daughter's accomplishment. Mia said she was surprised to win but that it was a good feeling.

Gabe is the son of Chris and Amy Martin of New Holland. "We were very surprised," said Amy of the phone call they received about the award.

"It was great," added Chris. "We are very proud."