By: Benjamin Rickert, Communications Dept. (Photos contributed by Laura Mitchell, Arts Education Specialist)
“What is one vote?” wrote North Buncombe High School’s Ethan Chandler.
“Your vote does matter, your vote does make a difference, and I encourage everyone to exercise that right that brave men and women have died protecting,” he continued later in his essay.
Chandler was one of ten Buncombe student-authors recognized as local winners of the Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen essay contests this month. On January 24, the middle and high school students gathered at the VFW POST 891 to be recognized for their thoughtful writing about American values, such as the right to vote.
This year’s high school Voice of Democracy theme was “Why My Vote Matters,” and the middle school Patriot’s Pen theme was “Why I Honor the American Flag.”
Chandler’s essay was selected to compete at the state level of the VFW competition later this year. After essay selections were read aloud, the students were presented their awards and scholarships by local veterans led by Post Commander Larry E. Fowler.
Congratulations to these accomplished students!
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2018-19 Voice of Democracy Winners
North Buncombe High School: Ethan D. Chandler, Michael A. Fanke, Samuel J. Miller (Teacher/Sponsor: Capt. James R. Sullivan)
Enka High School: Sabrina Jasmine Fuller
T.C. Roberson High: Katherine L. Przyblo
2018-19 Patriot’s Pen Winners
Cane Creek Middle: Camryn Olivia Pressley, Charley Baker, Caleb Andrew Freeman (Teacher/Sponsor: Ms. Cammy Jacobelly)
North Buncombe Middle: Carly Hyatt, Ruby Miley Norris, Madisen Nicole Monroe (Teacher/Sponsor: Ms. Chris Brown)