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Second place winner of the Voice of Democracy essay contest Alexis Bartimus.

•January 5, 2022•

Photo furnished
Paul Bates, first place winner in the Voice of Democracy essay contest (left) and Avram Bates, first place winner in the Patriots Pen essay contest (right) with local author Jennifer Hobbs (center).

Each year the Veterans of Foreign Wars hosts an essay contest for middle schoolers and high schoolers. The Patriots Pen contest for 6th-8th graders offers the opportunity to win up to $5000 in scholarships. This year’s VFW Post 6410’s first place winner is Avram Bates, a 7th grader from Sullivan Middle School.
The Voice of Democracy essay contest for 9th to 12th graders can win up to $30,000 in scholarships this year’s VFW Post 6410 second place winner is Alexis Bartimus, an 11th grader from Okaw Valley High School. The first place winner is Paul Bates, an 11th grader from Sullivan High School.
Avram and Paul’s essays will now go on to compete at the district level. Winners will be announced in January.