The winners for the local Voice of Democracy and Patriot Pen essay contest read their winning pieces Friday morning, in celebration and honor of local veterans for Veteran’s Day.
This year the pool of students taking place in the contest was bigger than ever, as students from surrounding school districts were able to take part this year, and Lauren Wooten from Madisonville-North Hopkins took first place in the Voice of Democracy contest. Reading her essay, she says each veteran has devoted more and sacrificed more than anyone can imagine.
She says veterans, along with current service members, are the foundation for what makes this country great.
Molly Cansler from Christian County Middle School won the Patriot Pen essay contest for the second year in a row, and in her essay, she promises to remember those who have made the ultimately sacrifice, and to do so outside of the standard holidays.
Second place in the Voice of Democracy went to Eva Blankenberger, and second place in the Patriot Pen was claimed by Hannah McVay. Veterans of Foreign War Post 1913 Commander John Brame says the winners will move forward in the competition, where bigger prizes are up for grabs—and he thinks they have a very good chance of winning nationally, thanking them for taking the time to remember and honor their veterans.