Crewe and Blackstone VFW Post members recently presented Kenston Forest School students with certificates and awards for their participation in the VFW Voice of Democracy and Patriots Pen essay programs.

“The Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay,” school officials said in a press release.

“Recordings were judged for the imagination and human interest, expression of ideas in an organized manner, the use of transitions and oration was delivered in a clear and credible manner,” school officials said. Winners included:

Local Level

• Third place winning $75: Sydney Harmon, a freshman and daughter of Johnny and Robin Harmon, of Blackstone.

• Second place winning $100: Rachel Adkins, a sophomore and daughter of John Adkins and Kelly Walters, of Blackstone.

• First place winning $150: Remy Butts, a junior and son of Charles and Ann Butts, of South Hill.

District Level

• First place winning $300: Remy Butts, a junior and son of Charles and Ann Butts, of South Hill.

State Level

• Third place winning $500: Remy Butts, a junior and son of Charles and Ann Butts, of South Hill.

The Patriot’s Pen competition is open to students in grades 6-8.

This year, students were asked to reflect on the statement, “The America I Believe In” in a 300-400 word essay.

All KFS sixth, seventh and eighth graders participated in the competition. Winners were:

Local Level

• Third place winning $75: Walker Green, a seventh grader and daughter of Ben and Field Green, of Blackstone.

• Second place winning $100: Mackenzie Newcomb, a sixth grader and daughter of Bobby and Sandra Newcomb, of Victoria.

• First place winning $150: Sophie Crowder, a sixth grader and daughter of Jimmie and Wella Crowder, of South Hill.

District Level

• Second place winning $150: Mackenzie Newcomb, a sixth grader and daughter of Bobby and Sandra Newcomb, of Victoria.

• First place winning $300: Sophie Crowder, a sixth grader and daughter of Jimmie and Wella Crowder, of South Hill.

State Level

• First place winning $1,000 and advancing to the National Level: Sophie Crowder, a sixth grader and daughter of Jimmie and Wella Crowder, of South Hill.