New London student focuses on veterans’ issues

by Brian Mathu

Macy Reybrock, a ninth-grade student at New London High School was named the winner of the 2020-21 American Legion Auxiliary’s Americanism essay contest.

She is the daughter of David and Sara Reybrock.

As part of the contest, high school students were asked to write a 450-500 word essay that promotes an understanding and appreciation of American government, the rights and responsibilities of American citizenship, and activity in the American way of life.

This year’s essay prompt was: “How can we address the health and well-being of our veterans, military, and their families?”

Reybrock’s essay intertwined veterans issues, the current pandemic and new technologies. She proposed that the United States provide military families with virtual reality headsets to better connect them with loved ones back home.

New London students have done well versus their peers across the state. In 2018, Charlie Metko won the statewide contest. In 2020, Olive Stein finished second. Reybrock has added her name to this list.

Reybrock was awarded a certificate and a $50 top prize by the Wisconsin Department of the American Legion Auxiliary, and her essay was recently forwarded to the National Americanism Division Chairperson.

National winners will be posted on www.ALAforVeterans.org at the start of September.