VFW Announces Voice of Democracy, Patriot Pen’s Essay Contest Winners

The Fayette Memorial Post No. 5254 La Grange VFW and Auxiliary held an annual Christmas party at the Post Home on Tuesday, Dec. 21 with a social at 5 p.m. followed by a catered meal of turkey and ham and all the trimmings at 6 p.m. Fellowship and door prizes were enjoyed by all.

The highlight of the evening 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. Giving background information about the contests and announcing the winners was Contest Chairman Richard Gray. He was assisted in the presentation by VFW Auxiliary Scholarship Chairman Mary Gray and Secretary Marilyn Kothmann, and VFW Commander Andy Kruppa.

Each receiving $50 prizes and Youth Essay Certificates of Merit were Patriot’s Pen (grades 6, 7, and 8) winners: first place Ashtyn G. Schaefer; second place Max Hernandez, St. Rose of Lima Catholic School in Schulenburg; and third place Kaegan D. Wagner from Round Top-Carmine who was unable to attend.

Voice of Democracy Award Citations and scholarships were presented to the winners (9-12 grades) who were all from La Grange High School: $500 first place winner was Madelyn M. Kates; and $100 winners were second place Westin T. Smith and third place Kaylee Ann Hensley.