Patriots Pen and Voice of Democracy Writing Contests
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The New York Mills VFW Post 7393 recently held its annual Patriots Pen and Voice of Democracy essay contests for students in the Oriskany, New York Mills and Whitesboro school districts. Both essay contests are designed to foster patriotism by allowing students the opportunity to express their opinions on democracy.
On December 14, Michael Spellman, Youth Activity Chairman of the VFW Post 7393, presented Oriskany eighth grader Anna Zumbrun with a $75 check, a certificate and a Patriot’s Pen book for winning first place in the Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest.
The Patriot’s Pen Contest was open to students in grades 6-8 and required them to write a 300-400 word essay on this year’s theme -- “America’s Gift to my Generation.” Oriskany sixth graders, Kaelyn Buehler and Arnold Zumbrun, also received certificates and Patriots Pen books for their participation in the contest.
Two juniors from Oriskany Jr./Sr. High School also received top honors in the Voice of Democracy Contest. The Voice of Democracy program was open to students in grades 9-12 and required them to write and record a 3-5 minute audio essay on this year’s theme -- “American History: Our Hope for the Future.”
Carl Graziadei won first place and will now continue on at the district level of the contest. Mr. Spellman presented Carl with a check for $100 and a certificate. Courtney Donohue won second place and received a check for $75 with her certificate.
Congratulations to all of our award recipients!