The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5290 in Conyers announced this year’s local winners of the Voice of Democracy speech contest, Patriot’s Pen essay contest, and Teacher of the Year: Jeriah Collier, Davis Middle student Jewel Atherley and Rockdale County High School teacher Kenneth Tucker.

The theme this year for the Voice of Democracy speech competition for high schoolers was “Is Our Constitution Still Relevant?” Collier will move on to the state and possibly national level. RCHS student Loren Stakes won second place locally and Salem High student Christopher York came in third. The national first-place winner receives a $30,000 scholarship.
This year’s theme for Patriot’s Pen essay competition for middle schoolers was “What Would I Tell America’s Founding Fathers?”  Davis Middle’s Jewell Atherley won first place, followed by Conyers Middle’s McKenna Commisket and Memorial Middle’s Gerald Herad in third. First place national winner receives $5,000 plus an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. All national winners receive a prize of at least $500.

The VFW also honors teachers who teach citizenship education topics and promote America’s history. RCHS teacher Kenneth Tucker will go on to compete at the district level and possibly state and national level. National winners receive $1,000 for professional development, $1,000 for their school, plaques, and an all-expenses-paid trip to attend a VFW conference.

The VFW Post 5290 will also hold a dance Dec. 15, 8 p.m., 1432 VFW Drive, Conyers, and will collect donations and small gifts for veterans in Milledgeville. (770) 385-9952.