The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6477 in Poplar Bluff recently held a ceremony recognizing winners of the Voice of Democracy (VOD), Patriot Pen (PP), and Teacher of the Year (TOTY) contests and their families. The contests are national VFW events held annually, which aim to promote patriotism and invest in future generations.
"It's a way the VFW can reach out to the youth and the educational system so we can support them," said VFW member and contest organizer John Holland. "The things they can put down on paper, you regain faith in the youth of America."
The VOD is an audio-essay program for students in grades 9-12. This year's theme was "American History: Our Hope for the Future." Participants must write a speech and then record it onto a CD not exceeding 5 minutes. Local winners were: Olivia Davis and Gabriella Dela Llana, first place tie, Westwood Baptist Academy; and Michael Johnson, third place, Poplar Bluff High School. Davis went on to win first place in the District 15 contest and Llana won second. District winners will receive awards at the VFW Sunday meeting on Jan. 21.
The PP is an essay contest for students in grades 6-8. This year's theme was "America's Gift to My Generation." Participants must complete an essay not exceeding 300 words. Local winners were: Kaitlin Collier, first place, Westwood Baptist Academy; Nathan Collier, second place, Westwood Baptist Academy; and Maryna Krizman, third place, Sacred Heart Catholic School. The first place District 15 winner was Courtney Padgett from Poplar Bluff Junior High School. Holland said due to the large number of local applicants, Post 6477 was able to submit more than its top three entries to the district contest. Padgett also will receive her award at the VFW Sunday meeting on Jan. 21.
The TOTY contest recognizes exceptional teachers for their outstanding commitment in teaching Americanism and patriotism. Nominated by officials from the Poplar Bluff R-1 School District, high school teacher Mitchell Davis claimed this year's award. Davis said teaching government and civics are vital to maintaining a strong and vibrant democratic society.
"It's not my job to indoctrinate, it's my job to help students find information, learn about it, and draw whatever conclusions they may," Davis said. "We wouldn't be able to learn in that kind of free environment if it weren't for our troops, both past and present, who have preserved the greatest experiment on the face of the earth, that is American Democracy."
Holland said he enjoys judging the entries each year and greatly supports the message it sends to young people.
"It teaches a respect for veterans and what they do," Holland said. "It takes them out of the normal classroom curriculum. It's very enjoyable because you see the cream of the crop."
According to Holland, Davis also won the District 15 VOD contest last year and will represent VFW Post 6477 at the state awards ceremony in Jefferson City.