The local winners of the Veterans of Foreign Wars' 2014 Voices of Democracy, Patriot's Pen and Citizenship Education Teacher Awards (submitted photo).

The local winners of the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ 2014 Voices of Democracy, Patriot’s Pen and Citizenship Education Teacher Awards (submitted photo).

Each year, Post 9400 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, located in Sunnyslope, conducts an audio/written essay contests for students in high school and middle school as well as an award recognizing an outstanding elementary, middle or high school teacher. The contest is part of a nationwide competition.

This year’s local competition was extremely competitive. The post received nearly 50 entries, and the winners were honored at a dinner held at the post on Dec. 12.

Zach Carlson from Sunnyslope High School won First Place in the “Voices of Democracy” program, with Caroline James of Xavier College Prep capturing Second Place and Rachel Powell of the Powell Academy of Home Learning taking Third Place.

David Jutzi from Madison Meadows took home First Place in “The Patriot’s Pen” essay contest, with Alyssa Tappendorf from Tappendorf Christian Academy coming in Second Place and Maya Scripter of Vista Verde Middle School taking Third Place.

The First Place winner in each category will advance to the citywide competition. If successful, he or she will advance to the state and national competitions.

The Citizenship Education Teacher Award recognizes a top classroom teacher who integrates citizenship education topics into their lesson plans and actively promotes America’s history and traditions. This year’s local winner was Ronnie Hurt from Central High School.

For more information regarding the Voice of Democracy, Patriot’s Pen or Teacher Award, contact Tom Landy at tmlandy@gmail.com or call 602-295-4394.

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