Seminole Ridge junior Gabrielle Marvez was honored May 26 at the West Palm Beach City Commission meeting as a third-place winner in the commission’s “Star-Spangled Heroes” essay contest At a reception following at the Mandel Public Library, Marvez read her essay aloud to dignitaries, West Palm Beach Library Foundation board members and honored veterans, then contest underwriter Alexander Myers presented her with a check for $400. Marvez’ English teacher, Melissa Long, was also honored, receiving a gift card for classroom supplies. The “Star-Spangled Heroes” essay contest asked students to address the responsibilities American citizens have to returning veterans. It aligned with an exhibit at the library saluting the 100,000-plus U.S. military veterans residing in Palm Beach County. Shown above are Marvez and Long.
