The Annual Voice of Democracy and the Citizenship Educator Teacher of the Year Awards Program was 

conducted at the Litchfield High School on Monday November 22nd  The Voice of Democracy Scholarship Competition is a 3-5 minute, audio-essay contest that has been sponsored nationwide by the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Auxiliary for the past seventy-five years. The 

title of this year's theme is “America: Where Do We Go From Here?” The top ten essays were selected from 155 essays entered by the Litchfield High School.  

This year’s top 10 are: (listed alphabetically) . Elaan Bader, Ryan Baugher, Cameron Crowe, Emma Diveley, Carly Favre, Audrey Fischer, Emma Hughes, Keagan Marten, Sarah Pence, and Allen Schneider All were honored and received Certificates of Merit at the awards program 

  

The names of the top three places were announced: The 1st 

 Place Award went to Carly Favre. She received $500 and a gold V.O.D. medal. 2Nd Place Award went to Audrey Fischer, who received $200 and a silver V.O.D. medal. Ryan Baugher was awarded 3rd  

Place. He received $100 and a bronze V.O.D. medal. The top three entries have been entered into the next level of judging in the VFW Twelfth District. 

Also honored at the program were Superintendent of Schools Dr. Greggory Fuerstenau, High School Principal Juletta Ellis, and teachers Joshua Hughes, Dan Carlson, and Dan Stewart. They received Award Citations for their critical roles in conducting the VOD Program at LCHS.   

The VFW and Auxiliary sponsors another program in their attempt to partner with school systems in communities across the country. It is called the Citizenship Educator Teacher of the Year Award. This award is offered in three categories: K-5, Middle School, and High School. Mr. Ellis Henley was honored as this year’s recipient of the award at Litchfield High for his continued ability to integrate citizenship instruction, character building, and academics. Mr Henley has been advanced to the VFW 12th District for the next level of judging.