VFW contest winners announced

Staff report

Washingtonville

Commander Paul Kramer and Ladies Auxiliary President MaryAnn Milsom of York Drexler Post 5532, Veterans of Foreign Wars have announced the winners of the Voice of Democracy and Patriots Pen contests.

In the Voice of Democracy, senior Emma Nappi of Leetonia High School, senior Katelyn Kridler of Crestview High School, and senior Zachary Chaplow of Columbiana won first place at their schools. Each will receive $500.

This year’s theme was “Does My Generation Have a Role in America’s Future?” The annual student contest is based on a three to five-minute speech and judged on delivery, content and originality.

In the Patriots Pen, eighth grader Maurisa Russell of Leetonia Middle School, eighth grader Courtney Hephner of Crestview Middle School, and eighth-grader Jesse Cannella of Columbiana Southside Middle School were first-place winners at their schools. Each will receive $100. This year’s theme was “Does Patriotism Still Matter?” The annual writing contest is based on a 300- to 400-word essay and judged on theme knowledge, theme development, and clarity of ideas. It is open to sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders.

Winners will advance to the nine-county District Six VFW competition with the first-place winner advancing to the VFW Ohio finals.