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GARDINER — For the first time in more than two years, the members of Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 9 were able to present the Patriot’s Pen and Voice of Democracy awards in person to the students at both Gardiner Regional Middle School and Gardiner Area High School.
The title of the Patriot’s Pen Essays was “How Can I Be a Good American?” The title of the Voice of Democracy Essays was “America: Where Do We Go from Here?”
The awards were presented in May at the schools. Winners were:
Patriots Pen: Camden Genest, 1st Place; Julie Folsom, 2nd Place; Mia Hersom, 3rd Place; Amber Dostie, 3rd Place.
Voice of Democracy: Shawn Jiminez, 1st Place; Harrison Lee Blake, 2nd Place; Emily Henderson, 3rd Place. Jiminez also placed second in the state and was state of Maine winner for the American Legion Oratorical competition this spring, travelling to Indianapolis, where he placed 13th in the country with his essay and speech on the U.S. Constitution.
TOP PHOTO: Voice of Democracy winners, Gardiner Area High School teachers and VFW Post 9 representatives, from left, Ted Smith, Post 9; Harrison Lee Blake, 2nd Place; Emily Henderson, 3rd Place; Shawn Jiminez, 1st Place; Debra Couture, Senior Vice Commander, Post 9; Greg Couture, Adjutant/Quartermaster, Post 9. (Submitted photo)
BELOW: Patriots Pen winners, Gardiner Regional Middle School teachers and VFW Post 9 representatives, from left, Camden Genest, 1st Place; Julie Folsom, 2nd Place; Stephanie Dickson, teacher; Debra Couture, Post 9 senior vice commander; Mia Hersom, 3rd Place; Amber Dostie, 3rd Place. Back Row: Ted Smith, Post 9; Jeffrey Trippe, teacher; Greg Couture, adjutant/quartermaster, Post 9. (Submitted photo)
