VFW Post 4501 honors student winners of Patriot Pen, Voice of Democracy awards

From left: Madelin J. Herrin, Brody Trivitt, Kaylee Bruner

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4301 in Batesville proudly presented awards to winners of its two essay contests, Patriot’s Pen and Voice of Democracy, to outstanding students from the local area. An awards presentation was held Wednesday, Dec. 6, at the post, located at 100 Legion Lane in Batesville.

This year’s theme was “How are you showing patriotism and support for our country?” The Patriot’s Pen written essay contest is open to students in grades 6-8.

First-place winner and recipient of a $100 check is Kaylee Bruner, an eighth-grader at Batesville Junior High.

Second-place winner and recipient of $50 was Brody Trivitt, a seventh-grader at BJHS.

Bruner also placed third in the district level, competing with five other posts in District 5, which is headquartered in Searcy. She will be awarded at the district’s January meeting.

The Voice of Democracy Speech and Essay contest had the same theme this year. Southside High School swept the local contest, with first place and a $500 prize going to Madelyn Herrin. Second place went to Kaysen Stevenson, and third place went to John Ryan Baker, with the two earning a combined $300.

This contest is open to students in grades 9-12, and they have to record an original 3-5 minute audio essay.

Also pictured are Barbara Henson, VFW Post 4501 quartermaster, and Justin Trivitt, post commander.

This year, students from Batesville Junior High School and Southside Junior High School demonstrated remarkable dedication and creativity through their essays and speeches, Henson said. “The competition highlighted the importance of patriotic values and community engagement among youth. Their essays and speeches not only showcased individual talent but also reflected a strong commitment to patriotic principles and support for the nation.

“The Patriot Pen and Voice of Democracy competitions provide valuable opportunities for young people to express their thoughts on patriotism and civic duty. VFW Post 4501 remains dedicated to fostering leadership, public speaking, and writing skills in local youth, ensuring that the spirit of patriotism continues to thrive in our community.”

Henson thanked the students for competing, saying, “It was truly a pleasure for the judging panel to read and listen to all entries.”

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The Harry B. Stokes VFW Post 4501 in Batesville was chartered on Oct. 3, 1945; the organization celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2020. Stokes was a first lieutenant in the Arkansas National Guard’s Company L, which was activated into the U.S. Army in November of 1940. Stokes served in the Aleutian Islands and Alaska before being sent to Europe where he was killed in action on Christmas Day, 1944.

Photos by Andrea Bruner