VFW presents awards for student essays

FALLBROOK — Fallbrook VFW Post 1924 and Auxiliary recently held a luncheon to honor the award winners of the “Voice of Democracy” audio/essay for grades nine through 12 and the “Patriot’s Pen” written essay for grades six through eight.

First place winners were awarded $500, second place $300 and third place $200 in each age group. The first place winners move on to the district competition.

First place in “Voice for Democracy” was awarded to Kathleen Kopitzke, second place to Wade Colburn and third place to Greta Baliff (all currently students at Fallbrook High School). The topic was “Service and Sacrifice by America’s Veterans Benefit Today’s Youth By…”

In the “Patriot’s Pen,” division first place was earned by Kathryn Markham, second place by DeAnn Rowan and third place to Melanie Raedeker, who wrote essays entitled “Why America’s Veterans Should Be Honored.” There were 72 entries in this division.

Parents, grandparents, siblings, teachers and friends attended the luncheon and award ceremony. All students participating are to be congratulated on a job “well done” and more students are encouraged to enter the programs next year. Those who would like to participate in the 2009 contests may call (760) 728-8784.