Canyon Ridge School celebrated its annual Veterans Day commemoration on Nov. 8 by saluting veterans for their service to the country.

Two students were honored for their submissions to the annual Sons of the American Revolution elementary school brochure contest and Americanism poster contest.

Arizona Society Sons of the American Revolution State President Rock Spargo attended the ceremony to award the honors. The National Association conducts the two contests nationally each year. Canyon Ridge School participates with their fifth-, seventh- and eighth-graders creating brochures and posters on various theres relationed to the American Revolution and American history.

This year, Peyton E. Boyles, a seventh-grader was awarded the second place nationally for her brochure, which was on the topic of the Declaration of Independence. She had previously placed first in the Arizona state level competition. She was presented a certificate, cash award and a Arizona Society SAR commemorative coin by Spargo.

Spargo also presented an award to Kiana Fernandez Del Valle for her submission in the annual poster contest. Her poster represented the story of the execution of Nathan Hale. She was awarded the fourth place nationally for her poster. She was presented an award certificate, cash award and a commemorative coin as well.

More than 1,000 students, teachers, community members and veterans attended the ceremony on the back lawn of the school.

Canyon Ridge students annually participate in these activities and the Saguaro Chapter of SAR which represents the West Valley works with the administration, teachers and students to further their understanding of the foundational documents of the republic and the celebration of Constitution Week each September.

The Sons of the American Revolution honors their Revolutionary War patriot ancestors by promoting patriotism, serving our communities and educating and inspiring future generations about the founding principles of the country.

SAR is the largest male lineage organization in the U.S. and consists of 50 state-level societies with more than 590 local chapters, several international societies (including Canada, France, Germany, Spain, and an International Society), and more than 37,000 members.

The Arizona Society Sons of the American Revolution has six chapters statewide and the Saguaro SAR Chapter serves the West Valley. Stan Hughes is the president of the Saguaro Chapter.

Anybody with an interest in joining the Sons of the American Revolution can contact Bill Harris at weharris0101@gmail.com.