SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - Carol “Coach” Mitchell  was installed as Exalted Ruler of Sacramento Elks Lodge No. 6 on Tuesday, April 7. It was delayed for about 10 days due to medical problems, but Mitchell took another break that evening during her celebration. She paused and introduced her Leading Knight, Nicole Holton Alvarado.

Alvarado had just been sworn in as Lodge LeadingKnight. She had also been Lodge 6’s Americanism Chair for a second year. As Leading Knight, Alvarado is like the first vice president. She announced to the audience that there was a special guest in attendance, Kaylee Feng, an 11-year-old sixth grader in Elizabeth Nakagawa’s class at Genevieve Didion Elementary K-8 School.

Kaylee was being recognized as the Second Place winner in the Americanism Essay Contest, California Elks North Central Division Awards, Division 2. As part of her Second Place Award she received an Amazon gift card for $50. She is now entered in the California-Hawaii Elks Association Americanism Essay Contest. She was accompanied to the presentation by her parents and siblings.

Last year, Alvarado also had a winner of the Americanism Essay Contest Division 2 contest. It was Phoebe Collier, a sixth-grade student in Christine Ewing’s class at Didion K-8 School.

Kaylee’s winning essay was as follows:

What Does Service Mean to Me? Service to our country is both significant and profound. To me, serving the nation means contributing to its needs and the well-being of its people, embodying a deep sense of commitment and a willingness to make sacrifices for the greater good. It is about supporting the principles that unite us, freedom, justice, equality, and striving to strengthen our communities and society.

However, service is not limited to defending the country. It can take many forms: foreign service, public service, or community engagement, whether at home or abroad. It may involve advocating for constitutional rights, assisting vulnerable populations during crises, or working to improve local neighborhoods. Service means putting the needs of others and the nation before your own, to leave the country better than you found it.

Sometimes, service is expressed through roles that safeguard and support society, such as serving in the military, working in government or becoming a police officer or firefighter. These positions protect civilians and uphold the nation’s security. Yet, service also extends to everyday acts of civic responsibility, such as volunteering, participating in local government, voting, and staying informed. Even personal contributions, like working diligently in your profession or paying taxes, help sustain programs that address health, education and poverty.

Ultimately, serving our country is a bold and ongoing commitment. It requires active citizenship and engagement, where everyone contributes to the nation. By uniting our efforts and honoring our shared values, we can create a stronger, more inclusive society for the future.