One Nation, Under God
Members of the local Buster Deo VFW Post 4067 were kept busy over the last couple weeks recognizing and awarding students who had placed with various entries in essay competitions. Post Commander Jim Layton and Ret. Col. Donald Klinko, and VFW Patriotic Instructor Kari Hould were at the Middle School to present the “Patriot’s Pen” awards on January 21st to four students. Receiving a Certificate of Merit for her 4th place entry was Lauren Tuss, 3rd place was awarded to Ariel Champion.
Second place honor was awarded to JoVahn Velasquez and placing first was Sierra White. The theme for the essay was “Why I honor the US flag”. Judges from the community this year were Jake Stuart, Becky Green, and Mike Lang while Sheila O’Brien assisted with the reading of the 68 entries. Also present at the award presentation were Shyla Clausen, the staff at Malta Elementary school who inspires the participation and creativity of the students, and Shawn Bleth, Principal.
Col. Klinko and Hould also presented the local winners who penned their thoughts on “Why my vote matters” which was the theme of the 2018-19 Voice of Democracy competition through the VFW. Amid the blustery snow and cold, up in Penguin Country, Whitewater students gathered in full force to support fellow students who won the honors. Presenting the awards, Col. Klinko stated that “the military of today with today's youth is more professional, more agile and more prepared” than the previous military. Whitewater students won all 3 placings this year, under the guidance of teacher Michelle Striker, Social Studies teacher at the remote school in northern Phillips County.
Winning 3rd place was Kia Wasson, 2nd place selection was Lucas Lawless and garnishing 1st place was Bella Lawless. This group of entries was also selected from the group reviewing the entries last fall.
It is great to see that Americanism, patriotism, and support for our military is strong within the youth of Phillips County. A big thank you to all who participated and assisted in any manner.
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