WINNERS – The Durand VFW, Post No. 2272, awarded its “Voice of Democracy” and “Patriot Pen” essay winners recently at the Durand VFW Hall in the contests 43rd year. Each student received a plaque and a certificate commemorating the achievement, along with money.
The winner of the high school Voice of Democracy contest was Jordan Kolk, who attends Lansing Christian High School. In addition to the plaque and certificate, she also received $150 and will have her name engraved on a plaque that hangs in Durand High School.
The Patriot Pen Essay contest winner was Goldyn Graham, a seventh-grader at Durand Middle School. She was awarded $100 and her name will be engraved on a plaque that hangs in Durand Middle School.
Sixth-grade Durand student Brendan Kennedy was named the second-place finisher in the Patriot Penn Essay contest and was awarded with $75.
Pausing for a photo during the ceremony were (from left): Ladies Auxiliary President Barb Dingman, Kennedy, VFW member Mike Patterson, Graham, VFW Commander Dennis Martin, Kolk and VFW member Ken Miller.
Both Martin and Dingman expressed how impressed they are with this year’s winners. Participation in both essay contests used to be required by Durand English teachers, but these students “took the initiative” without the urging of their teachers. (Courtesy Photo)
