Winning students in the local “Patriots Pen” and “Voice of Democracy” essay contests were recognized on President’s Day (Monday, Feb. 15), at the Licking Memorial VFW Post 6337 Hall.
A wide representation of students from area schools was included.
The program featured first-place winners reading their essays. Licking VFW Auxiliary president Adonia Rask resented winners with an appropriately themed dog tag on a chain bearing their competition insignia, placement, first initial and last name, while Krewson gave each one prize money and a red rose.
Both competitions are open for participation by students in public, private and parochial schools and home study programs in the U.S. There are four levels of advancement possible in the competition, beginning with the local VFW Post level, and progressing to regional, state and national levels.
Local judges were VFW and Auxiliary members.
PATRIOTS PEN
“Patriots Pen” is a nationwide, VFW-sponsored youth essay competition for grades 6 to 8 highlighting students’ views on a specific patriotic theme. The 2015-16 theme was, “What Freedom Means to Me.”
More than 125,000 students participate annually. This year, there were approximately 120 participants from Texas County.
Patriots Pen winners include:
•Licking: First, Lucas Green; second, Sean Jacobs; third place, Alana Scheel.
•Raymondville: First, Saydie Hughes; second, Brady Coats; third, Kali Aguirre; sixth-grade, first place, Nissa Buchanan.
•Houston: First, Janessa Foster; second, Isaiah Buse, (who also placed first in District 18 and went on to place fourth at state); third, Kelly Hubbs; sixth-grade, first place, Brett Cremer.
•Success: First, Mason Philipp; second, Zac Braman; third, Johnathan Johnson; sixth-grade, first place, Justice Emerick.
•Plato: First, Halie Breedlove.
Patriots Pen prizes were: First place, $75; second place, $50; and third place $25.
VOICE OF DEMOCRACY
“Voice of Democracy” is a premier scholarship program sponsored by the VFW since 1947 for students grades 9 to 12. Almost 40,000 high school students compete annually. This year, there were five Texas County participants. The Voice Of Democracy 2015-16 Theme was “My Vision for America.”
The submission is an audio recording of an essay as well as written form. The essay must be an original work with an audio length of three to five minutes. Judging is done on a point system, which includes the originality and treatment of the theme, showing imagination and human interest. Content must be a clearly expressed, organized development of the theme. The delivery of the essay must be spoken in a clear and credible manner.
•Winners, all from Plato:
First, Kennedy Adams (who also placed third in District 18); second, Wiley Miller; third, Shasta Blankenship.
Voice of Democracy prizes were: First place, $200; second place, $150; and third place, $100.
“This essay competition only confirms that in Texas County, we are true patriots,” Krewson said.