VFW presents student essay awards, honors dedicated supporters

FALLBROOK – Fallbrook Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 1924 recently held a luncheon honoring the local winners of its annual patriotic essay contests as well as two longtime supporters of the contests.

Voice of Democracy is open to students in grades 9 through 12 and the topic this year was “Is Our Constitution Still Relevant?” The first place $500 winner was Kathleen Young; the second place $300 winner was Ami Zeltner, and the third place $200 winner was Illiana Arias.

Patriot’s Pen is open to junior high school students and the topic this year was “What I Would Tell My Founding Fathers?” The first place $300 winner was Rebecca Gordenier; the second place $200 winner was Sarah Verschoor, and the third place $100 winner was Nate Franks.

Voice of Democracy supporter Bob Bowman is a lifetime VFW member, WWII veteran, and has been in contact with FUHS and Oasis High School for many years recruiting teachers and students to participate in the essay contest. The VFW gave Bowman a plaque thanking him for his years of service as his assistance was greatly appreciated, and he recently “retired” from this program at the age of 92 years.

The VFW also honored Linda Poznanter as Teacher of the Year for the Voice of Democracy. Poznanter originally wrote an essay for a VFW contest in 1977 while her military family was stationed in Taiwan, winning second place. Ever since that time, she has encouraged students to write and perform their essays orally for the VFW program. Poznanter recently retired Oasis High School where she was responsible for many local Voice of Democracy winners. The VFW awarded her with a crystal apple and attached plaque, thanking her for her teaching and mentoring skills over the years.

Fallbrook VFW Post 1924 appreciates all participating judges, teachers, and mentors who facilitated and encouraged this program.