Mars Area Middle School eighth-graders Nicholas Babeo and Gemma Fratto were selected for 2023-24 American Legion Awards. Submitted Photo

Nicholas Babeo and Gemma Fratto, eighth-graders at Mars Area Middle School, were selected to receive the American Legion Award for the 2023-24 school year.

The award is presented on the basis of scholarship, leadership, patriotism, service, courage, honor and integrity. Each school year, teachers nominate students for the recognition. All eighth-graders are asked to vote for one boy and one girl from the list of nominees.

Other nominees included eighth-graders Lukas Boronyak, Emily Chadwick, Ian Clark, Jackson Everhart, Jeffrey Irwin, Carter Kohnen, Brooklyn Ligda, Sage Mahan, Torrin O’Leary, Reese Polito, Sydney Truver and Jackson Ulonska.