 |
| A contingent of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10643 members surprised student winners from Windham Christian Academy with awards from the Voice of America and Patriot's Pen essay contests for 2021. From left are VFW Post 10643 Post Chaplain Roger Timmons, Post Surgeon Jerry Black, Hunter Edson of Windham Christian Academy, VFW District Commander Willie Goodman, Abigail Williams of Windham Christian Academy and Past State VFW Commander Steve SanPedro. SUBMITTED PHOTO |
Patriotism is a core value of American democracy and as such
isn’t restricted to age group or gender. These facts were evident as members of
the Veterans of Foreign Wars stopped by Windham Christian Academy in Windham to
surprise student winners of the VFW’s annual essay contests on March 12.
A delegation of VFW Post 10643 leaders visited the school and recognized
Hunter Edson and Abigail Williams for writing standout essays in the Voice of
Democracy and Patriots’ Pen essay competition.
The Voice of Democracy competition was open to all high school students, grades 9 to 12, including those who are home-schooled. Students wrote and recorded a three- to five-minute essay on an audio CD on this year's theme of "Is This the Country the Founders Envisioned?" The Patriot's Pen competition was open to all middle school students, including home schoolers, in grades 6 to 8. Students were tasked with writing a 300 to 400 word essay on this year's theme, "What is Patriotism to Me?"
Edson, a sophomore at Windham Christian Academy, was honored
as the first-place recipient for the VFW district in the Voice of Democracy
contest and was also informed by VFW Post 10-643 Commander Willie Goodman that
he was chosen as this year’s winner for the entire state of Maine.
As a result, Edson will now advance to compete in the national VFW Voice of Democracy contest and for winning first-place in the Maine state contest, he earned a four-day trip to Washington, D.C.
In the national competition, Edson is competing for a $30,000
scholarship awarded by VFW.
For her entry in the Patriots’ Pen contest, Williams, an
eighth grader at Windham Christian Academy, placed second in the district
overall.
Both Williams and Edson were presented certificates, cash
awards and backpacks, along with accessory items for their outstanding essays
and contest entries.
“The VFW is extremely proud of both Hunter and Abigail and we congratulate
them for their achievements,” Goodman said.
The national VFW Voice of America contest will be conducted later this spring in Washington, D.C. and entries will be judged on content, creativity and delivery.
Interested students and/or teachers looking to participate in next year’s contests should contact VFW Post 10643 by phone at 207-228-4329 or write to the post at P.O. Box 1776, Windham, Maine 04062 for more information. <
No comments:
Post a Comment