With a mission to support local organizations and residents, the Manheim Sertoma Club also participates in programs organized by Sertoma Inc., including Freedom Week. This annual event offers an opportunity to reflect on the freedoms we have as a nation and the people who fought to win that freedom as well as those who continue to protect it today.

To honor Freedom Week, the club holds an annual essay contest, open to all sixth-grade English Language Arts students at Manheim Central Middle School. "The essay is to write what freedom means to them. It is not a history lesson, but how our freedoms affect their lives," explained Donna Keller, Freedom Week committee chairperson. "The Freedom Week committee reads all the essays submitted and picks the three best ones." The winners receive a cash prize and a plaque.

This year's winners are Matthew Pennypacker, the son of Sara Bucker; Landy Virgile, the daughter of Jean Chery and Lalande Virgile; and Aiden Weber, the son of Anne and Scott Weber.

Donna said all three writers impressed the review committee with their essays. "These three individuals' essays were all different, but they all expressed how our freedom impacted them as a person, as a family member and as a member of their community," she explained.

The winners received their prizes and were recognized at an award banquet held at Scout Hall in Manheim in May.

The Manheim Sertoma Club has been participating in Freedom Week activities since the early 1980s and possibly even longer, said Lori Keller, club secretary. The club's mission is to serve residents of Manheim and the surrounding communities. Beneficiaries of the club include the Manheim Central Food Pantry, the Manheim Fire Department, the Manheim Historical Society, Manheim Central athletics and the Manheim Boy Scouts.

"Manheim Sertoma is always looking for new volunteers to help us grow our 'family' to help us serve the community," Lori shared. "If you are interested in learning more about the club, you can email us at ManheimSertomaClub@gmail.com."

For more information on the organization, search for "Manheim Sertoma Club" on Facebook.