Three Students Honored For Essays on Veterans

Adrian Roedel talked about his priest who was an Air Force chaplain for 28 years.

Scott Pelland told a story about a conversation he had with his now late grandfather who was a Marine Corps cook.

Shelby Emens detailed how her great-great uncle decided to return the valuables to the family a Japanese general he killed during World War II after discovering family pictures of in the man's pocket. He later exchanged letters with the family.

About 25 people listened to the trio's winning essays Tuesday in Grant Sweet Memorial Essay Contest that focused on the lives and experiences of veterans at the main branch of .

Roedel of Parshallville took first, Pelland of Brighton Township was second and Emens of Deerfield Township was third. There were 15 entries in the first-time contest that was held in memory of Sweet, the library's longtime building manager who died in October while hunting.

Roedel, a Hartland High School sophomore, received $200. Roedel's priest served in Battle Creek at the beginning of the first Gulf War and helped veterans with post-tramautic stress disorder. He said he didn't think he'd win.

"I'm astonished," said Roedel. "I didn't think I'd make it this far."

Pelland, a junior at the school, won $100 for second place. He said his grandfather was at a mountain base and was moved by learning history through a person who lived it.

"I didn't think writing the essay would be as powerful as it was; an emotional experience as it was," Pellend said. "I'm really able to appreciate more, not just his, but the veterans sacrifices."

Emens, a sophomore who attends Charyl Stockwell Prep Academy, was awarded $50 for third.

"I learned a lot and to respect our veterans and the duty they fulfill," she said.

The contest was supported by the library, Friends of Cromaine District Library, the American Legion Post 415 in Hartland, and the National Veterans Awareness Organization (NVAO).

Library Director Ceci Marlow said enough donations were received to hold another contest next year.

Sweet wasn't a veteran but supported them, especially by riding in a cross-country motorcycle event held the week before Memorial Day organized by the NVAO, said his widow Nancy Purtzenski Sweet after the event. The ride included stops at veterans hosptials and cemeteries to honor the military.

Purtzenski Sweet said he recognized how the military enables the country's democracy and constitution and had family and friends who were veterans, including his best friend who suffered from PTSD.

"He was one of the most patriotic people I know," she said. "He would have been so proud. … He would have been very humbled by it that people did this in memory of him."

Nancy Sweet, Sweet's mother who also attended, said she was impressed by the event along with other family members, including two of his three sisters.

"Very, very meaningful," said Sweet, a Garden City resident. "It was very good — all three of them — excellent."

To watch the entire awards presentation, please click on the attached YouTube video.