The VFW Sponsored Voice of Democracy audio/essay contest and Patriot’s Pen Essay contest provides students from 6th to 12th grade with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed essay. The 2025 - 2026 theme, which is chosen by the National Commander, is “How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country” This year we had 160 sixth thru eighth grade students enter the Patriot’s Pen contest and 134 ninth thru twelfth grade students enter the Voice of Democracy audio/essay contest. The rules allow 1 student to advance to District competition for every 15 essays that are submitted.

In the Wagner Middle School this year, 11 of the 160 students were selected to advance to District competition. We would like to recognize the teachers that have been instrumental in the Patriot’s Pen essays. Mieke Slaba led the group, along with Nikki Kafka, Abby Novak, and Jacob Ziegler. Each student advancing to districts was presented with a $50 award from our local VFW Commander, Mark Roberts and Quartermaster, Jerry Seiner for their achievement.

The Patriot Pen winners are: Emma Turner, Jaylee Kafka, Ayla Knox, Lydia Frei, Hallie Roberts, Emeri Freidel, Aspyn Schroeder, Christopher French, Cooper Slaba, Jackson Woods, and Deborah Olubummo.

At the high school level, the coordinator for the Voice of Democracy contest was Libby Renbarger with assistance from Tana Langdeaux, Amy Petrik, and Jessica Purviance. Nine of the 134 student essays were selected to advance to district level competition. Each student advancing to districts were presented with a $200 award from the Post 7319 VFW Commander and Quartermaster for their accomplishment.

The Voice of Democracy winners are: Matthew Kokes, Hannah Holzbauer, Amel Greger, Gavin Tjeerdsma, Jacob Kotab, Jazlyn Lhotak, Connor Gable, Taya Stone, and Michael Koupal There are five District winners in South Dakota which will compete against each other for the state championship title. The state winner will then compete at the National level in March. The national first place winner receives a $35,000 scholarship. The first place winner from each VFW Department (State) wins a scholarship of $1,000 to $21,000, according to their placement overall.

Seventh and eighth grade 'Patriots Pen' essay students were recognized. Pictured are, from left: Jerry Seiner, Jaylee Kafka, Ayla Knox, Emeri Freidel, Deborah Olubummo, Aspyn Schroeder, Hallie Roberts, Emma Turner, Cooper Slaba, Mark Roberts, and Jackson Woods. Not pictured Lydia Frei and Christopher French.

Voice of Democracy essay winners presented by the Wagner VFW were, from left: Mark Roberts, Amel Greger, Hannah Holzbauer, Taya Stone, Matthew Kokes, Jazlyn Lhotak, Connor Gabel, Jacob Kotab, Cruise Koupal, Gavin Tjeerdsma, and Jerry Seiner. Photos courtesy of Jan Martin.