VFW Post No. 5254, Auxiliary Present Youth Essay Awards at Christmas Party

The Fayette Memorial VFW Post 5254 and Auxiliary of La Grange held their annual Christmas party at the Post Home on Tuesday, Dec. 19 beginning with a social hour and fellowship time at 5 p.m. The Auxiliary held a fun fundraiser for scholarships and a guessing game to win the prizes.

At 6 p.m., Commander Richard Gray welcomed attendees and led the Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S. Flag, Then Auxiliary President Marilyn Kothmann and Secretary Elizabeth Kallus presented the POW / MIA Remembrance Table - the Ceremony that saves a place for the missing man.

Next was the announcement of the local winners in the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States and its Auxiliary, Voice of Democracy Audio Essay Competition and Patriot’s Pen Youth Essay Competition. The winners and their families had been invited to the party for the special awards presentations. Giving background information about the contests and announcing the winners was Contest Chairman Commander Gray. He was assisted in the presentation by VFW Auxiliary Scholarship Chairman and Contest Co-Chairman Mary Gray and President Kothmann.

Receiving monetary prizes and Youth Essay Certificates of Merit were Patriot’s Pen (grades 6,7 and 8) winners: first place Abram Bernsen, Greater Vision Team School (home school); second place Connor Fricke, Round Top-Carmine High School campus; and third place Jaycee Zapalac, Mother of Divine Grace (home school). Voice of Democracy Award Citations and scholarships were presented to the following winners (9 - 12 grades): first place Lucero Soto, Round Top Carmine High School; second place John Kaspar, La Grange High School; and third place Timothy Meyer, Faith Lutheran High School.

Afterwards, Commander Gray asked for a moment of silence in memory of Immediate Past Commander Andy Kruppa who had just passed away on Nov. 8. Then a blessing before the meal was given by VFW Chaplain Dick Frenzel; and a catered meal of turkey, ham, and all the trimmings was served. After more visiting was enjoyed by all, the fundraiser and guessing game were finalized and the event ended with the drawing for door prizes.