CARIBOU, Maine — Local winners of the Patriot’s Pen and Voice of Democracy student essay contests were honored last week at VFW Post 9389 in Caribou.
Both annual nationwide contests encourage young students to share their views of United States veterans in the form of an essay. Post 9389 had over 100 middle school and high school students participate in this year’s contests.
Each essay is judged on originality, content, and delivery. Students have the opportunity of winning small cash prizes as well as scholarships of up to $10,000, according to Philip Caverhill, local coordinator for the Voice of Democracy and the Patriot’s Pen programs.
Caverhill said it’s important to keep young people involved in these contests every year so they can learn more about the sacrifices veterans have made for their country.
“History is very important for the young kids to appreciate what the veterans have done for them,” Caverhill said.
Winners from local posts move on to compete at the district level, then on to states, and finally nationals, held in Washington, D.C.
Not all local winners were available to attend the March 10 ceremony; those who were, read their essays to a crowd of veterans and family members at Post 9389.
“It was a great experience getting to speak in front of all these veterans,” said Alex Bouchard, seventh-grader at Caribou Middle School.
Keith Bray, a Woodland Consolidated School sixth-grader, said his essay was inspired by his cousin and uncle who are veterans, “Veterans need respect,” Bray said.
Erin Kashian, sophomore at Caribou High School, wrote her essay as part of a class project with the topic “Why veterans are important to our nation’s history and future.” “My essay highlights why we need to respect and honor our country’s veterans. We can’t let them be forgotten,” she said.
Each student walked away with a medallion, a plaque, and a $50 check, courtesy of Post 9389 and Post Commander Alan Whittemore.
“It was really a pleasure to hear them care enough to take the time to do some introspection on what it means to be a veteran in this country. Members at the VFW post truly appreciate the fact that at that age they recognize how important the role of the veteran is to the United States,” Whittemore said.
The winner of the Aroostook County district, Thomas LaJoie, a senior at Van Buren High School, wasn’t on hand for the ceremony, but according to Caverhill, LaJoie placed second at the state level.
