VFW Post 212 and VFW Frances Sherman Auxiliary have announced the winners of their annual national Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen essay contests.
These are the local level winners, and the first place winners of each have moved on to the District 19 level for judging. Winning essays can garner monetary awards at local, district, state and national levels if chosen to move on.
A special award recognition night has been set for 6:30 p.m. Dec. 14. Winning students and their families are invited to a light luncheon and award ceremony at VFW Post 212 at 94 Barbour St. The Post and Auxiliary have credited Ms. Abbey and Mrs. Kelley for promoting the national contest in local schools.
In the Patriot’s Pen contest, Jessica Fox took first place, winning $100; Zayne Carpenter took second place, winning $75; and Elizabeth Walt took third place, winning $50.
In the Voice of Democracy contest, Michelle Bauer took first place, winning $150; and Harley Peterson took second place, winning $100.
Michelle Bauer, daughter of Steve and Lisa Bauer, is a senior at St. Marys Area High School.
At school, she is involved with the HOSA Club, DECA Club, student government, the Robotics Club, girls cross country, girls basketball and girls track. She is a St. Marys Church altar server and a volunteer at the Crystal Fire Department (St. Marys), and she plans to attend college with a major in international business and minor in Spanish. She plans to run cross country at the college level as well.
Harley Peterson, son of Amy and Mark Peterson, is a senior at Bradford Area High School. At school, he is involved with football and DECA Club. In the community, he is a church volunteer and he works at Togi’s and as summer help for the Bradford City Water Authority. He enjoys camping and working out at the gym, too. He plans to further his education in the military.
Jessica Fox, daughter of Jeff and Kim Fox, is a seventh grade student at Floyd C. Fretz Middle School. She is a member of the Flames gymnastics team and dedicates a large amount of her free time to practicing and competing. She has been in the Explorers program through school for two years. She enjoys reading and spending time with her friends and family.
Zayne Carpenter, son of Jessica Girdlestone, is a seventh grader at Fretz Middle School. He plays the trumpet in the school’s band and jazz band. He loves science, computers and technology, but he especially loves math. He loves learning and enjoys sharing his knowledge with others.
Elizabeth Walt, daughter of Michael and Debra Walt, is a seventh grade Fretz student from Bradford who enjoys writing, reading and band.
