Se Yun Moon of Calvary Christian School won first place in the Patriot’s Pen Award essay writing contest. Moon did not make it to the ceremony but she was still awarded $150 and a certificate.
Second place winner was Rufino Aquino Jr., who received $100 from VFW.
Third place went to Kristian Reyes, who was awarded $75.
The competition was for sixth to eighth graders and is conducted by the VFW nationwide every year.
The theme for 2009-2010 was “When is the Right Time to Honor our Military Heroes?”
In the Voice of Democracy essay writing contest, Ailyn Echluse from Marianas High School won the first prize of $150 from the VFW Post and $100 from the VFW District.
Second place winner Tanidta Torres, also from MHS, got $100 and a certificate.
Third place went to Francis Fidelin who was awarded $75 and the certificate.
Echluse competed in Japan this month with other winners from six regions in the Pacific district including Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Guam/Saipan and the Philippines.
The entries were judged on the knowledge of the theme, theme development and clarity of ideas. The essay was required to be 300 to 400 words and the deadline was Nov. 1.
The Voice of Democracy was open to ninth to 12th graders.
This year’s theme was “Does America Still Have Heroes?”
District winners competed with the VFW winners, and the overall winners will receive an expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. to compete at the VFW national level in March.
The entries were judged based on originality, content and delivery.
“We have over 150 entries each year but we hope to have more,” VFW District Commander Mariano Fajardo said.
“The Annual Voice of Democracy Program provides opportunity for high school students to think, write and speak up for democracy,” he added.
Echluse and Torres received their awards at the VFW Post last week.
