A Prosser fifth-grader took first place in a state VFW essay contest.

Peter E. Felicijan, 11, won a certificate and $100 savings bond.

Peter, the son of Pete and Connie Felicijan, won first place in the local competition, representing Prosser VFW Smith-Runa Post 3207. He also won first place in District 17, which is made up of Kennewick, West Richland, Prosser, Sunnyside, Yakima, Grandview and Mabton.

His essay then competed against all the first-place winners throughout the state.

This year's 250-word essay theme was "How Do I Show Love For My Country?"

The VFW Department of Washington essay contest was for third- through fifth-graders.

Peter attends Prosser Heights Elementary School.