Worcester Preparatory School Students Recognized in Elks Essay Contest

3/6/2026

Berlin, MD – Students from Worcester Preparatory School (WPS) were recently recognized as winners in the annual Great Americanism Essay Contest hosted by the Ocean City Elks Lodge #2645.

This year’s contest theme, “What Does Service to Your Country Mean to You?”, encouraged students to reflect on the meaning of patriotism, civic responsibility, and service. Participants submitted essays of at least 300 words addressing the theme.

In the 6th grade division, WPS student Jude Waked earned 1st place, while Jaanvi Pandher received 2nd place honors. In the 7th-grade division, Tejal Pillai was awarded 1st place, and Eli Parker earned 2nd place recognition.

The annual contest provides students with the opportunity to develop their writing skills while exploring important themes related to citizenship and service.

Founded in 1970, WPS is a private, independent school for students from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12, located in Berlin, Maryland. The school has approximately 500 students attending from Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia. For more information about WPS, please visit www.worcesterprep.org or call 410.641.3575.

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Pictured are this year’s Ocean City Elks Lodge #2645 Americanism Essay Contest winners. From left to right are WPS students Tejal Pillai (Lewes, DE), Eli Parker (Snow Hill, MD), Jaanvi Pandher (Berlin, MD), Jude Waked (Lewes, DE), and Head of Middle School Mr. Jake Perry.

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Worcester Preparatory School

508 South Main Street, Berlin, MD 21811

Phone: 410-641-3575 | Fax: 410-641-3586

Celebrating 50 years, WPS is an independent, college prep day school for Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12 students. Located in Berlin, Maryland, the private school attracts an average of 500 students from Maryland, Delaware and Virginia.