Voice of Democracy and Patriot's Pen Essay Awards Banquet

VFW Post 4090 held its annual Voice of Democracy and Patriots Pen awards banquet February 10th at 5:00 PM at the post in Portland. The banquet began with Post Commander and Master of Ceremonies Bill Almy welcoming the students and guests to the 2018 VOD and PP banquet.

After introductions, student members of the National Honor Society served dinner. Reading of the essays followed the dinner.

Eleven students from Portland Public Schools and Saint Patrick’s Catholic schools were selected as finalists. Each of the finalists read their essay in front of a packed dining hall of parents, teachers, and guests.

When all the students had finished reading their essays, they were called back up to the front of the room one by one to receive their awards. Each received an award from the Post and Auxiliary, the VFW District 9 and a proclamation certificate from State Representative Julie Calley’s office.

The Patriot’s Pen winners were:

• Haden Getchell - Portland Middle School

• Hannah Weller - Portland St. Pats

• Emily Snitgen - Portland St. Pats

• Carly Scheurer - Portland St. Pats

• Lydia Meredith - Portland St. Pats.

Haden Getchell finished 2nd place in the District 9 competition.

Carly Scheurer finished 4th place in the District 9 competition.

Voice of Democracy winners were:

• Collin Williams - Portland High School

• Matthew Koster -Portland High School

• Madison Guilford - Portland High School

• John Davids - Portland High School

• Grace Thelen -Portland St. Pats

• Devon FoxElster - Portland St. Pats

Madison Guilford finished 5th place in the District 9 competition.

Each of the eleven winners received a cash check from Post 4090 Auxiliary.

Note: District 9 consists of 32 VFW Posts within a six county area. All 32 posts have the opportunity to submit VOD and PP winners from their Posts. First place winners from District 9 move on to State competition. State winners move on to the national competition.

Special guests in attendance were:

• Superintendent of Portland Public Schools, Will Heath.

• Patricia Garber for State Representative Julie Calley.

• VFW District 9 Commander, Terry Dowdell.

• VFW State Chaplin, Jennifer Smith.

• President of District 9 Auxiliary and Mi. Dept. VFW Auxiliary Jr. Vice Della Steege.

• VFW Post 4090 Auxiliary President, Shirley Teachout

Post commander Bill Almy closed with the following statement:

“Voice of Democracy and Patriots Pen has always been a pleasure for me to be a part of. It gives me great pleasure to witness young adults express their views and ideals as seen through their own eyes. I am very proud of each one of you students. I encourage each of you to share your experience with your friends and fellow students, and invite them to participate in the VOD or PP essay program.”

Thank you to the kitchen crew for another excellent dinner.

Thank you to the members of the National Honor Society for being the servers.

Thank you to Shirley Teachout for your dedication and hard work towards making this 2018 VOD and PP banquet a success.