Emmons Fourth Graders Earn Top Honors in American Legion Flag Etiquette Program

Emmons Elementary fourth graders are making their school community proud through their participation in the annual flag etiquette program sponsored by the American Legion Post 161.

Led by fourth grade teacher Lisa Westfall in partnership with American Legion representatives Joy Miller and Paul Steward, the program teaches students the importance of respecting the United States flag. Lessons focus on proper flag care, display, and disposal, while also incorporating U.S. history, citizens’ rights, and The Pledge of Allegiance.

Students spend several weeks engaging with educational materials, including illustrated comic books, before completing a test and writing an essay about the meaning of the flag.

This year marked a historic achievement for Emmons. For the first time, students advanced beyond the local level of the program. Fourth graders Kal-El Gallippo and Ruby Tran both earned perfect scores and wrote exceptional essays, winning district honors.

Kal-El Gallippo’s work went even further, earning state-level recognition. He will be honored on March 28 at an American Legion conference in Indianapolis.

Both students were also recognized at a Legion meeting in Lakeville, Indiana, highlighting their hard work and dedication.