Five Avon Lake students were honored at the March Avon Lake School Board meeting on March 8 for placing in the Patriot’s Pen and Voice of Democracy essay contests.

The contests, which lets middle and high school students compete by writing patriotic essays, is sponsored by the VFW. John Morgan, the Youth Activities Chair for Avon/Avon Lake VFW Post 7035/8796 presented the awards.

In the Voice of Democracy audio contest, Andrea Bestor, who won a $50,000 scholarship last year for winning the “Stop the Hate” Maltz Museum contest for an essay she wrote on bullying, earned first place and received a $300 check. James Braye won second place and was awarded a $200 check. Avon Lake Superintendent of Schools announced that Gray was also a National Merit Scholar. Both are students at Avon Lake High School.

The Voice of Democracy is an audio essay program open to students in grades 9-12. Students must be enrolled in a public, private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States.

Abaigeal Halleron won first place in the Patriot’s Pen contest and received a plaque and check for $200. Anne Rielelsberger placed second and received a check for $150 and Ryan Manderfield took third place and was awarded a check for $100. All three are students at Learwood Middle School. 

The Patriot's Pen program is open to students in grades 6-8, who are enrolled in a public, private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States and its territories.