By Whitney Donohue
Moapa Valley Progress
The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8336 held its annual award ceremony honoring valley youth and teachers. The ceremony was held at the Old Logandale School on Thursday, January 19, and was followed with a dessert social. Post Commander Charles Jamison presented the awards, and State Commander Bruce Hollinger acted as Master of Ceremonies.
The first award was presented to two outstanding local Boy Scouts, John Rockenbach and Spencer Baker.
The next award was for VFW’s Citizenship Teacher of the Year award.
“VFW wants to identify and recognize America’s best educators who instill a sense of national pride in students,” Hollinger stated. All current classroom teachers in grades K-12 are eligible.
Nominations were received from Mack Lyon Middle School and Moapa Valley High School. Ms. Heather Hofmann, from Mack Lyon, was nominated for her inspirational teaching approach and the respect she earns from both her students and her peers. Lynette Wolfley, from MVHS, was nominated for her work in creating and expanding the school’s library, as well as the respect she earns from the students and peers. Each teacher was awarded a cash prize.
Finalists from the Patriot’s Pen Youth Essay contest were announced next.
Thirty-four entries were received from Mack Lyon middle school. Of those, seven were chosen as finalists: Danie Chandler, Chase Kruse, Robert Phillips, Kelly Prisbey, Tiffany Sprague, Anna Stratton, and McKenzie Turley. This year’s theme was “Are You Proud of Your Country?”
Danie Chandler won third place and a $25 prize. Tiffany Sprague won second place and a $50 prize. Kelly Prisbey won first place and a $100 prize. Prisbey read her essay to the audience.
The next presentation was for the Voice of Democracy Audio Essay Contest.
This category is available to high school students and consists of an oral essay three to five minutes long. This year’s theme was “Is There Pride in Serving Our Military?” Thirty-two audio essays were submitted to the VFW.
The seven finalists chosen were Jacob Allum, Nephi Boren, Kenna McMurray, Kevin O’Tolle, Alyssa Ramos, John Rockenbach, and JanaLee Weatherford.
Kenna McMurray was awarded third place and $25. JanaLee Weatherford was awarded second place, and a cash award of $50. First place was awarded to John Rockenbach, along with $100. John performed his moving audio essay for the audience.
Themes for next year’s contests will be released next month. Students are encouraged to submit entries to the VFW by November 1.
