VFW essay contest winners are honored

Veterans of Foreign Wars and Ladies Auxiliary District No. 8 recently held a Voice of Democracy and Patriotic Pens Awards program at Spotswood VFW Post No. 4589. Lucy Rossi of VFW Post No. 4699, Sayreville, is president of the District No. 8 Ladies Auxiliary. Program co-chairpersons were Marion Butler and Stephen Fodor.

First-place winner in the Voice of Democracy "Freedom Challenge" essay contest was Kristen Au, representing VFW Post and Auxiliary No. 10536, Highland Park. Second place went to Jonathan Mathews from Post and Auxiliary No. 3117, Edison. Jessica A. Vicidomini, representing Post No. 4699, was the third-place winner.

The theme for the Patriotic Pens essays was "Citizenship in America." First-place winner was Sarah E.VanNess from VFW Post and Auxiliary No. 5479, Dunellen. Jessica Velez, representing Post and Auxiliary No. 7508, Old Bridge, took second place. Third place went to Michelle C. Wadolowski, Post and Auxiliary No. 663, Perth Amboy.

Winners received a plaque, a certificate and a U.S. savings bond for their winning essays. All students who entered the contest were given a plaque and certificate.