Buffalo Township celebrates America 250

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Buffalo Township children were invited to participate in a coloring contest to celebrate America 250. [Courtesy of Buffalo Township]

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From left, front row: Seth Cummings, Parker Poland, Brody Dickson, Ellie Dickson and Allis Bercosky. Middle row: Rylee Haney, Holden Wright, James Ziegler, Braelynn Allen, Kynsleigh Dever and Josie Brigich. Back row: Mox Nemeth, Lena Wright, Emily Smith, Abigail Smith and Josie Ziegler. [Courtesy of Buffalo Township]

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From left, Buffalo Township Chairman Randy Mounts, Vice chairman Jim Mounts and Supervisor Ken Gorby 

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Buffalo Township brought residents of all ages together recently to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with an evening honoring history, patriotism and local youth.

Township Manager Michelle Markley welcomed a full room of community members and introduced the Buffalo Township Board of Supervisors, Randy Mounts, Jim Mounts and Ken Gorby, as well as township officials.

Markley reflected on the significance of the America250 celebration, noting that while the event recognized 250 years of American history, it also celebrated the values that continue to shape Buffalo Township today. She encouraged residents to remember that history is preserved not only through monuments and milestones but also through everyday efforts.

Township Emergency Management Coordinator Joe Joscsak, a U.S. Army National Guard veteran, former police officer and longtime firefighter, presented contest awards while the township recognized the service and sacrifice of all veterans and active duty military members.

Three high school students participated in the essay contest, each addressing a patriotic topic. Emily Smith, a ninth-grade student, explored whether the ideals of the Declaration of Independence have been fully realized in America today. Tenth-grader Mox Nemeth examined what patriotism means in 2026, while fellow 10th-grader Josephine Ziegler discussed whether America’s progress toward equality has been continuous or cyclical. Each student was awarded first place in their respective category, with Mox Nemeth also receiving the Judge’s Choice Award.

The celebration also featured coloring contests for students in kindergarten through fifth grade, with participants recognized across multiple grade divisions. Supervisor’s choice was awarded to Jake Ziegler, most patriotic was awarded to Josie Brigich and overall judge’s choice was awarded to Ellie Dickson, whose artwork featured a black buffalo in recognition of Buffalo Township’s official logo.

Buffalo Township’s America250 celebration served as a reminder that patriotism begins at the local level.