ADM 8th grader, Peyton Giles, has been named the 2025 Department of Iowa Veterans of Foreign Wars Patriot’s Pen Essay contest winner in the grade 6-8 division. Peyton received this honor by writing an exemplary essay entitled, “My Voice in America’s Democracy” based on the writing prompt, “How do people have a voice in democracy?”

Peyton first won the local contest and moved on to become the District 5 Regional champion. He found out this week that he has now won at the state level, being declared the 2025 Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest champion! Peyton will now continue to the national championship, running against the winners of the other 49 states to become national champion!

Congratulations to Peyton on receiving this honor. We are wishing him the best as he competes at the national championship!