WINNERS OF THE VOICE OF DEMOCRACY ESSAY CONTEST
BUTEHORN BROTHERS POST 4987

(Mineola, NY) Commander Francis Meehan and members of Butehorn Brothers Post #4987 VFW were recently joined by Nassau County Clerk Maureen O'Connell and other area officials for their annual Voice of Democracy Awards.

The VFW established the Voice of Democracy (VOD) program in 1947 to provide students the opportunity to express themselves in regards to democratic ideas and principles. Since 1974, the Butehorn Brothers Post has sponsored this essay competition for area elementary, middle and high school students. Students draft a 300-400 word essay, expressing their views based on a patriotic theme chosen by the VFW Commander-in-Chief. The VFW believes strongly in good citizenship and fostering patriotism which is why their direct involvement with American's youth has always been a VFW priority. Congratulations to all the honorees and special thanks to our veterans! Pictured with members of the VFW and VOD organizer Commander Francis Meehan are the honorees and their teachers, Clerk O'Connell, Legislator Rose Walker, Oyster Bay Councilman Tony Macagnone and District Court Judge Rhonda Fischer.

Click On Each Photo Below for a Larger View
(opens a new browser window)

JFK Middle School Award Winners: Emily Hedquist, Alivia Rose Ciofi, Philip Jordan Shirinian, Sabrina L. Johnson, Evanna Alexis Plakas, Marissa N. Parisi, Elizabeth Cobb, Chelsea Welsh, Austin Berman, Samantha Borgese, Joshua Wilson, Connor Woods, Principal David Schneider	Plainedge Middle School Award Winners: Grace Pigott, Kayla Alexandra Grace, Lauren Schleith, Peter Francis Dunphy, Emily A. Granickas, Principal Debbie Sosman
Central Boulevard School Award Winners: Tim Regan, Jillian Zapata, Logan Paola, Samantha Salerno, Principal Steve Furrey	Kramer Lane School Award Winners: Curtis M. Dalsass, Sofia Mae Sozio, Dylan Enright, Jessica Kneller, Anthony Gene, Christopher McGuggart, Principal Kerri McCarthy
John H. West School Award Winners: John Paul IOannou, Gaetana Bria, Frankie Ortiz, CJ Lyons, Alexander Assenmacher, Paul Daniell Staff Members: Karen Salzano, Amy Wynne, MaeAgnes Van Roten, Jenny Avgeris, Carol Muscarella	Charles Campagne School Award Winners: Nicole Jenal, Olivia Hanley, Sean Meaney, Erin Foley, Lauren Scavone, Jason Vane Staff Members: Angelita Cintado, Carol Russo, Melissa Seidita, Amanda Yansick
Eastplain School Award Winners: Sienna Grisson, Emily Inga, Samuel Anglim, Daniella Azzaretto, Alexa Barrucci, Principal Emily O’Brien	All the Winners