Ella Barrett places first in the Voice of Democracy contest for three local VFW posts, earning a cash prize and certificate.

POINT LOOKOUT, MO. — During the fall semester, School of the Ozarks junior high and high school students participated in the annual Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen contests sponsored by local Veterans of Foreign Wars posts.

High school students submitted Voice of Democracy essays and three-minute speeches centered around how they show their patriotism for America. Junior high students submitted 300-400 word Patriot’s Pen essays centered on how they display patriotism. These essays and speeches encourage students to understand what it means to live in America and how they can show gratitude for those who have fought and sacrificed for freedom.

Ridgedale Post 1667 Information Officer and Assistant Inspector General of the Missouri VFW, Richard Clowers, visited School of the Ozarks alongside fellow post representatives to present awards to several students for their essays and speeches. High school students Jeremiah Pardue, Ella Barrett, and Lulu Robbins each placed first in the Voice of Democracy contest for three local VFW posts, earning cash prizes and certificates.

Lulu Robbins receives a first place award for her essay in the Voice of Democracy contest.

Four junior high students received recognition for their Patriot’s Pen entries. Josten Carey received third place, Finn Dunn and Thatcher Woods tied for second place, and Pilgrim Wiley earned first place for Post 1667 as well as first place overall for District 14. Wiley’s essay will advance to the state competition, where it will be considered for recognition at the Missouri VFW state meeting this spring.

Clowers spoke to the students and encouraged them to continue their patriotism and to keep working hard.

"We have been doing this for so long now that School of the Ozarks feels like family," Clowers said. "This was the best group of essays we have had the privilege to read. Keep learning about your country and those willing to defend it."

From left to right: Josten Carey receives third place, Finn Dunn receives second place, Pilgrim Wiley receives first place, and Thatcher Woods ties for second place for their Patriot’s Pen essays.

Following the awards presentation, the student body honored the visiting Veterans by singing “God Bless America.”