FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 26, 2026
LEGACY ACADEMY STUDENT SOPHIE POFF NAMED STATEWIDE WINNER OF LIEUTENENAT
GOVERNOR’S AWARD FOR AMERICAN PATRIOTISM ESSAY CONTEST
Branson, MO — Legacy Academy is proud to announce that student Sophie Poff has been named one of
the 2026 winners of the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for American Patriotism Student Essay Contest.
The statewide contest, launched by Missouri Lieutenant Governor David Wasinger in celebration of the
upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States, invited K-12 students across Missouri to reflect on the
prompts, “I am proud to be an American because…” or “I love America because…”
Out of hundreds of submissions from across the state, Sophie was selected for her moving essay about
the opportunities and rights America provides for women, inspired by the perseverance and
achievements of her hardworking single mother.
“We are incredibly proud of Sophie and this well-deserved recognition,” said Kathryn Jones, Interim Head
of School. “One of our core goals is not to teach students what to think, but how to think. Sophie’s essay
is a beautiful reflection of that, eloquently capturing the profound impact her mother’s hard work has had
on her life. Sophie is not only a diligent student, but more importantly, she is one who reflects Christ in her
daily actions. We couldn’t be more proud of her."
Sophie is one of ten students statewide selected for the 2026 award. All winners, along with their families
and teachers, have been invited to a special recognition ceremony and luncheon at the Missouri State
Capitol on June 26, 2026, where students will have the opportunity to read their winning entries aloud.
Legacy Academy celebrates Sophie’s achievement and is grateful to see one of its students recognized
among Missouri’s outstanding young writers and citizens.
Media Contact:
Kathryn Jones
Legacy Academy
(417) 336-2139
kjones@legacybranson.com
Legacy Academy is a private, classical Christian school in Branson, MO. In the spring of 2016, a small
group of parents approached FBC Branson Pastor Neil Franks with the idea of starting a private Christian
school. Over the next several months, numerous conversations led to the birth of Legacy Academy
during the 2016-17 school year. Legacy started at the First Baptist Church of Branson with a
kindergarten class comprised of 6 students. Having added one grade per year, today Legacy has 150
students in grades K-9. The Legacy Board of Education is committed to the continued expansion of
Legacy through grade 12. Looking toward the future, our current Ninth-grade class will be seniors during
the 2028-29 school year, and the first graduation will take place in May 2029.
“Legacy Academy exists to develop mature Christ-followers to be poured out as salt and light onto the
world. Through academic excellence rooted in the classical model, we strive to partner with parents to
provide a Christ-centered education, dedicated to shaping students’ affections toward that which is true,
good, and beautiful.”
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PHOTO CAPTION:
Sophie Poff, pictured with her mother, was selected as one of ten students statewide for Missouri’s