Competence and character are words used to describe written and audio contest winners in the recent Pilot’s Pen and Voice of Democracy student essay contests through Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 308. Students received their awards during a ceremony at Newtown Municipal Center on Friday, December 11.

The Patriot’s Pen and Voice of Democracy programs are sponsored nationally by the Veterans of Foreign Wars and its Ladies Auxiliary and are open to students who are enrolled in a public, private, or parochial school or home study program. The Patriot’s Pen is open to students in grades 6 to 8, while Voice of Democracy is for students in grades 9 to 12. Those students must read and record their essay to a CD.

Local winners go to the district level, and those winners compete for the state award. State winners compete for national prizes.

“Without the voice of the people, there is no democracy, and without democracy, there is no freedom,” said James Gaston, a Voice of Democracy judge who listened to the many entries. He spoke about voting, which is a means to “give voice to democracy. Thank you for sounding that voice.”

Mr Gaston, along with competition host Donna Monteleone and VFW Commander Walt Dolan, presented Voice of Democracy winner, high school student Peter Winans, with his award. He won both the Newtown Post award and District 1 Fairfield County award.

Voice of Democracy judge Kelley Johnson was “so impressed” with the entries, imagining that recording the auditory assignment had to be hard. After judging the entries she realized “students are cognizant of history and how America extends opportunity to all. But it’s not free, we have to work for it.”

The Voice of Democracy theme for 2015-2016 was “My Vision for America.” Judging was based on originality, content, and delivery.

Patriot’s Pen judge Reverend Jim Solomon noted the many entries, which have increased from 89 last year to 133 essays he needed to read this year. The participation and essays were an “exciting adventure and inspiring,” he said. All participants are winners, he said. “Your participation shows competence and character and the contribution is positive to the community,” said Rev Solomon, noting their gifts and talents “to do good.”

Bridgeport Police Chief and Newtown resident Joseph L. Gaudett, Jr, also judging in the Patriot’s Pen, addressed the gathering of parents, teachers, judges, and students, asking, “Freedom. Does that mean you can do and say whatever you want?” He is pleased to see that the essayists “understand freedom comes with responsibility.” This year’s winners made him proud to be a resident of Newtown and America, he said.

The Patriot’s Pen theme for 2015-2016 was: “What Freedom Means to Me.” Essays were judged by national standards based upon knowledge, theme, and clarity.

Commander Dolan then welcomed attendees to step into the hallway to see the veterans mural installed there.

This year’s Patriot’s Pen winners are Michael Bachmann of St Rose of Lima, first place; Caroline DePinto, Newtown Middle School, second place; and Ryan McNerney of St Rose of Lima, third place. Also honored were St Rose students Francesca Coppola, Natale Sim, and Sabrina Capodicci, and Michel Ihlefeld of Reed Intermediate School.

Voice of Democracy state winners compete for national prizes of $1,000 to $16,000. The national first-place winner receives a $30,000 scholarship.