VFW Announces Patriot’s Pen and Voice of Democracy Winners

BY MELANIE BUCK –

The Frank Fried VFW Post in Acorn announced the winners of their annual Patriots Pen and Voice of Democracy essay contests, some of which will advance from the local contest to the district level.

Patriots Pen is for children in grades six through eight. Coming in first place, and winning $300 was Ariana Carter. Kaitlyn Simmons was awarded second place and received $200 and Haley Hooper placed third and received a $100 prize. All three Patriots Pen winners were from Mena Middle School.

In total, eight essays of the 120 submitted were sent to the district level; those winners will be announced in December.

In the Voice of Democracy essay contest, students in grades nine through twelve competed for the top prize. Katie O’Rear, of Mena High School, placed first and won $500 cash. Jacob Sawyer, a homeschool student, placed second and received $400, and Drew Plunkett, of Mena High School, placed third and received $300.

Only one Voice of Democracy essay can advance on to the district level, which will be winner, Katie O’Rear’s essay. Those winners will be announced in December as well. Any winners from the district level will advance on to the state contest in February.

Don Martin of the VFW post said this year they received more essays than ever and were well pleased with the interest shown in this year’s contest.

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Jeri Pearson

Jeri is the News Director for Pulse Multi-Media and Editor of The Polk County Pulse. She has 10 years of experience in community focused journalism and has won multiple press association awards.

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