VFW Post 2172 and Auxiliary in Gallatin
This website brought to you in part by the following sponsor:
Find out how to advertise here - Email us! [email protected]
Three local essay winners were recognized during a banquet hosted Thursday by VFW Post 2172 and Auxiliary in Gallatin. Certificates and cash prizes were presented to one Gallatin student and two North Daviess students during the annual “Voice of Democracy” competition.
First place was won by Brook Carder, daughter of Carl and Sherri Carder of Gallatin. Second place was awarded to Cari Courter, daughter of Deborah Courter of Jameson, who recited details about the various wars involving the United States. Third place went to Kerrie Baker, daughter of Don and Patty Baker of Jameson. She used the national anthem in her presentation, including the less recognized second stanza.
Event chairman Doyle Patton pointed out that the Voice of America essay contest has been a tradition since 1947, focusing students in grades 9-12 on patriotic themes. Over $2.5 million in scholarships is awarded nationwide in the contest. This year’s theme, “What Price Is Freedom,” was selected last August.
Contest entries were collected last November. First place winners of local essay contests advance to department contests to compete against 14 others. Department winners are among 18 finalists at a state contest held in Jefferson City, with state finalists advancing to nationals held at Washington, D.C. Thus far, the department level marks the farthest advancement by any Daviess County essay contestant.
The five judges volunteering to assist in this year’s local competition were recognized at the banquet. They are Daren Adkins, Judy Carder, Jason Helton, Maxine Van Dyke and Sharon Whitt. Entries comprise a 3-5 minute recording anonymous to the judges who score each recording on originality, content and delivery.
Post Commander Gary Redman and wife, Pauline, of the Auxiliary, helped during the program. Among guests in attendance were four new Post 2172 members from Pattonsburg and Hamilton: Wayne Shaw, Cliff Davis, Mary Berry and Frankie Ward. North Daviess R-3 teacher Gregg Hartley and Gallatin Police Chief Jim Wycoff were recognized.
To conclude the program for the approximately 60 people in attendance, Mr. Patton played a recording of the song “The Tattered Old Flag.”