Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Auxiliary District 10 held the annual Voice of Democracy (VOD) and Patriot’s Pen (PP) banquet on Jan. 10. The event was hosted by VFW Post 4329 Galion and Auxiliary. Meat and cheese platters were provided with a buffet including a variety of salads and desserts provided by the District Auxiliaries.
The evening began with a welcome by District 10 Commander Mike Kelly of Crestline and Scholarship Chairperson Lisa Krebs of Crestline. Commander Kelly introduced District officers from Mt. Gilead, Mansfield, Crestline and Carey that were present. Guest Phillip Littlejohn led the prayer prior to our meal followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
All participants from both scholarship programs received certificates. The top three received a monetary donation and gave their winning speeches to the guests. District Patriot Pen winners were 1st place Kirsten Etzinger from Post 3759 Carey, 2nd place was Meghan Stanley from Post 3494 Mansfield, and 3rd was Qynn Baker from Post 9943 Mansfield.
District Voice of Democracy winners were 1st place Kane Wagner Shelby High School from Post 9943 Mansfield, 2nd place was Christine Rambo Madison School from Post 9943 Mansfield and Hannah Johnson Veritas Academy from Post 8054 Mt Gilead.
Schools submitting entries that advanced to District level were Buckeye Central, New Washington, Carey, Lucas Local, Madison, Ontario, Riverdale, Sacred Heart, Shelby and Veritas Academy, Mansfield Christian School and Pioneer Career Center, as well as Bucyrus.
The winner from both programs will advance to State for judging which was held on January 9th in Bowling Green. The winners at state level are then forwarded to National level.
2016-2017 themes are as follows:
Voice of Democracy – “My Responsibility To America”
Patriot’s Pen – “The America I Believe In”
