Tuesday night at our regular VFW meeting at Post 3656 we were pleased to award the three top Patriot Pen essay winners. This year’s essay theme is “What is patriotism to me”. The three winners along with their families where invited to enjoy a great post holiday meal. The three top winners received a cash prize of $100.00 for first, $50.00 for second, and $25.00 for third place. The first-place winner is Katherine Wilhite, she is a 6th grader at Bristow Middle School and the daughter of John and Juli Wilhite. The second-place winner is Alexandra Wilhite, she is an 8th grader at Bristow Middle School and is also the daughter of John and Juli Wilhite. The third-place winner is Laryn Wages, she is a 6th grader at Bristow Middle School and the daughter of Cory and April Wages.
Katherine Wilhite will advance to the VFW district eight where her essay will be judged alongside others from the district. The winners from the VFW districts will then advance to the state VFW to compete for an opportunity to win even more money and college scholarships.
I would like to thank Bristow Middle School principal Mr. Seachris and Bristow High School principal Mr. Spears along with all of the teachers that continue to teach and motivate the students to step out of their comfort zone and write essays and compete. Also, a big thank you to the judges for the essay competition. We are looking forward to next years essay competition and it is our hope that we will have more students compete in both the Patriot Pen and the Voice of Democracy.
Scot Thompson
VFW Commander
Post 3656