By VERNON ROBISON
The Progress
The Veterans of Foreign Wars Elwood Perkins Post 8336 held its annual community awards ceremony on Thursday evening, March 21. The Overton Community Center was filled with more than 100 people as the Post presented a number of awards to Moapa Valley youth and adults in various categories.
Presenting the awards for the evening was local veteran Phillip Mullins who serves as the Post Quartermaster.
Mullins began the evening with a special award to a member of the community whom he said had “selflessly supported the efforts of Post 8336 to help veterans in the community and provide much needed assistance for our comrades.”
Mullins presented a plaque to Overton Lin’s Marketplace manager Jesse Jenson. “You have made it possible for us to hold fundraisers in front of Lin’s,” Mullins said. “Without your support we would not be able to complete our mission of still serving. We cannot thank you enough.”
Next Mullins announced two local teachers as the recipients of 2023-24 Post 8336 Citizenship Education Teacher Award. For the K-5 level award the recipient was Grant Bowler P.E. teacher Paula Dehmer. For the grades 9-12 division, MVHS special education teacher and student council advisor, Gary Weiss, was the recipient.
Mullins read the nomination letter for each recipient.
“Mrs. Dehner has gone above and beyond the call of duty to inspire, motivate and guide our students toward a healthier, more active lifestyle,” stated the nomination letter submitted for Dehner which was unsigned. She “serves as a positive role model for students and colleagues alike. She has left a long-lasting impact on the lives of the students she has taught.”
The nomination letter for Weiss was penned and submitted by MVHS Assistant Principal Mitchell Ozaki.
“He has been a key factor in fostering a feeling of accomplishment for students and staff alike,” the letter said of Weiss. “His desire to help everyone become lifelong learners is both infectious and addicting.”
Both teachers received a plaque and a check from the Post.
Mullins also announced that Dehmer had been selected as the VFW Nevada District 6 Educator of the Year and had advanced to the state level of the competition.
Mullins then announced the winner of the Post’s Patriot Pen essay contest for 2023-24. This annual contest, open to middle school-age students, has the contestants writing a 300-400 word essay on a patriotic theme. This year’s theme was “How are you inspired by America?”
Mullins announced the first place winner in the contest as Micah Boss. Evelyn Reid won second place; and Jessie Hardy was the third place winner.
Boss read his winning essay to the enthusiastic audience summing up some of the most inspiring moments in U.S. history. “Although it is impossible for our country to be completely perfect, we can show our liberty and faith through our perseverence and excellence,” the essay concluded.
Next was the Voice of Democracy audio essay contest. Open to high school-age students, this contest has competitors writing an essay and making a voice recording of it for the judges.
This year’s theme was “What are the greatest attributes of our democracy.”
Mullins announced the three finalists as Rebekah Jensen in first place; Angela Diaz Delatorre in second place; and Dakota McCauley in third place.
Jensen read her essay which summarized the rights of the people as set forth in the nation’s founding documents. “The essence of why the United States was founded is because of the principles by which it abides,” she said. “The United States is founded on core concepts of liberty freedom and equality. If the government doesn’t act within these concepts, the people retain the right to act in such a way as to correct it.”
The time was then turned to Post 8336 Auxiliary President Gan Vance for a few additional awards.
Vance first gave special recognition to Auxiliary member Lorraine O’Dell for her efforts to the organization including “membership recruitment, fundraising, promotion of patriotism, youth activities and scholarship programs.”
Another certificate of appreciation was presented to the men of the Flags Up organization. “They are responsible for the flags that you see up and down the boulevard and going out the highway,” Vance said. “They put the flags up and maintain them every morning. We would like to appreciate them for their patriotism.”
Finally Vance announced the finalists in the Auxiliary’s “Illustrating America” youth art contest. Many young artists were recognized for their amazing artwork in many age categories.
The first place winner in the Kindergarten division was Colton Luff. For grades 1-2, first place went to Ezra Bunker. The grade 3-5 division had Sophia Catalano in first place. And Quinn Bunker took first place for the grades 6-8 division. The scholarship winner for the high school division was Matthew Carson.
