CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) RESOURCE CENTER Read More
Add To Favorites

OLD ORCHARD BEACH - The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Dep

Portsmouth Herald - 5/30/2018

OLD ORCHARD BEACH - The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Department of Maine District 11 and its Auxiliary recently presented awards to the District winners of the 2017-2018 Patriots Pen and Voice of Democracy essay contests at a ceremony and luncheon held at Old Orchard Beach Memorial VFW Post 7997. The two youth scholarship competitions are held annually for middle and high school age students.

For 23 years, the Patriot's Pen essay program has fostered patriotism by allowing students in grades 6-8 the opportunity to examine America's history, along with their own experiences in modern American society based on an annual theme. The 2017-2018 theme was, "America's Gift to My Generation." First-place winner Aiden R. Lockie Allen, representing South Berwick Memorial Post 5744, was presented an award of $100. Aiden is also the first-place winner for the State of Maine. Second-place winner Nathan Alexander Coleman and third-place winner Nevaeh Bartlett, both representing Sanford Memorial Post 9935, each received awards of $50.

The Voice of Democracy audio-essay program for students in Grades 9-12, celebrated its 71st year with the theme, "American History: Our Hope for the Future." District 11 first-place winner was Howard Chandler Scully III, representing Kittery-Eliot Memorial Post 9394 was presented an award of $100. Chandler, a long-distance swimmer, also attained Eagle Scout rank in 2017. Second-place winner, Rachael Raymond, representing Sanford Memorial Post 9935, and third-place winner Michaela Flanders, representing South Berwick Memorial Post 5744, each received awards of $50.

The 2018-2019 Patriot's Pen and Voice of Democracy competitions are now open. The theme for the current Patriot's Pen competition is "Why I Honor the America Flag." The theme for Voice of Democracy audio-essay is "Why My Vote Matters."

For additional information on these competitions and entry forms visit www.vfw.org/community/youth-and-education/youth-scholarships. Students may submit their entries, along with a completed entry form to their local VFW Post no later than October 31, 2018. Department of Maine District 11 VFW Posts and contact information are listed below. If unsure which post is closest to you please visit www.vfw.org and scroll to the bottom of the page to find the post nearest your location.

VFW York Post 6997, telephone 207-363-3600, ask for Rusty.

VFW Kennebunk Post 6548 telephone 207-985-2703, ask for Lee.

VFW Sanford Post 9395 telephone207-432-7127, ask for James.

VFW South Berwick Post 5754 telephone 207-384-2605, ask for Mal.

VFW Kittery/Eliot Post 9394, telephone 207-686-3162, ask for Mel.

VFW Old Orchard Beach Post 7997 telephone 858-395-2424, ask for Bill.