When Caden Flynn’s English teacher challenged his class to write an essay for the Friends of the Frontier Army Museum at Fort Leavenworth’s sixth annual youth essay contest, he decided to take the challenge on. He went on to win first-place.

The contest was open to all school students, grade 9 through 12, who live in the area, and included Weston and Platte City students. The subject for the 2021 contest was Pandemics in Military History. Flynn, who is a junior at West Platte High School, didn’t know much about the subject, and had to do research for several hours before he began writing his essay, which took about two hours. After another hour of editing, he felt the essay was ready for submission.

“I was very surprised to learn that I had won. Out of the 42 students that had entered the contest, I did not expect to be the one to win,” Flynn said.

His essay mainly focused on the Spanish Flu and its effect on the United States military. He also detailed an account that explained the experiences that Leavenworth went through at that time, comparing it to the ongoing, present pandemic.

Through his research and writing, Flynn learned a lot about the similarities between the two pandemics that were a century apart.

“I think that the most important thing that I learned of was the perseverance of our ancestors,” Flynn said. “Although our pandemic is dangerous and should be taken seriously, the Spanish Flu was incredible in its devastation and was only inflamed because of World War I. Those people were able to endure despite all of the trials that they faced. I was surprised to find many similarities between our modern day and 1918. For example, quarantines were enacted and masks were mandated to slow the spread of the Spanish Flu. Self-isolation was paramount, due to the severity of the disease.”

He has always liked to write and in his free time, he frequently reads and writes fiction. With his love for history, the essay contest provided him the opportunity to explore a time in history very similar to what has transpired in the last year and a half.

“I enjoy learning about different civilizations and cultures, ancient wars, and lost artifacts,” Flynn said. “They fascinate me in the same way that a science fiction story would, but almost more so because it actually happened.”

Friends of the Frontier Army Museum secretary, Stephanie Hixson, said this year’s contest was a huge success with 42 submissions.

“We usually have 15 to 20 submissions and it was a record number this year,” Hixson said. “We think it is great for the youth to research a topic that may be unfamiliar to them, and how it relates to military history. Most participants say they enjoyed learning new things while researching for their essay.”

Flynn believes the Friends of the Frontier Army Museum provides an excellent opportunity for the younger generation to find appreciation and value for history.

He was happy that his family members enjoyed reading his essay and were impressed that he had written it.

“My family was very proud to learn that I had won,” Flynn said.

In college he plans to study creative writing and business and the $1,000 he won for taking first-place will be a big help in furthering his education.

“This money will most certainly help finance my education, something I am very grateful for,” Flynn said.

For students hoping to take part in next year’s essay contest, Flynn’s advice is to research, read, practice writing and expand their vocabularies.

“The best way to write an essay is to make it genuine,” Flynn said. “Real facts presented in an interesting way can make for a great essay.”