Bryn Clausen, 10th grade, won the Voice of Democracy essay contest, the theme of which was “Is America Today Our Forefathers’ Vision?”” Voice of Democracy photo

JACKMAN — Eighth grader Rory Danforth and 10th grader Bryn Clausen were recognized at a recent Veterans Day assembly at Forest Hills School.

Forest Hills School eighth grader Rory Danforth won the Patriot’s Pen essay contest, “My Voice in America’s Democracy.” Patriot’s Pen photo

Students in grades six to 12 were invited to participate in an essay writing contest. For the Patriot’s Pen contest (grades 6-8), this year’s theme was “My Voice in America’s Democracy.” For the Voice of Democracy contest (grades 9-12), students had to prepare and present on the theme for this year, “Is America Today Our Forefathers’ Vision?” Both are national contests conducted annually by the VFW, according to a news release from the school.

The William B. Doughty Auxiliary No. 5723 of Jackman sponsors the contest and awards winners a monetary prize. Danforth was selected as the middle school winner out of 14 participants; Clausen was chosen as the high school winner out of eight participants.

Both winning submissions will be sent along to the district level to be judged against all the other first-place winners in District No. 5 (which includes Dexter, Jackman, Fairfield, Farmington, Madison and Newport). If successful, their entry then advances to be judged at the state (and possibly national) level.

Grand prizes include scholarships and trips to Washington, D.C. National winners are announced in March.

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