Lower Dauphin Middle School seventh-grader Kadie Heck was recently recognized for her writing in the Patriot's Pen contest sponsored by the Shellsville VFW Post 9639.

Kadie is the daughter of Timothy and Rebecca Heck. Her essay on the contest's theme, "My Pledge to Our Veterans," won third place in the local contest. Past commander Glen Hoffer and Auxiliary member Pat Grubb presented Kadie with a $100 check during a school lunch in front of her peers.