Photo provided to the Times Observer

VFW Post 8803 in Tidioute sponsored two local essay contests – The Voice of Democracy (VOD) and the Patriot’s Pen. The Voice of Democracy contest for ninth through twelfth grade and the theme was, “What are the greatest attributes of our democracy?” Students in sixth through eighth grades can enter the Patriot’s Pen contest with the theme of “How are you inspired by America?” Tidioute Community Charter School student winners for VOD were Bayden Blosser for first place, winning $200; Abigail Chapel for Patriot’s Pen first place, winning $100; and Emerson Schantz for Patriot’s Pen second place, winning $75. Pictured from right to left are Doris Svtek, Michael Patterson, Blosser, Laura Trost, Schantz, Sara Robinson, and Chapel.