Staunton Star - Times - Published in the Interest of the Staunton Community for Over 143 Years

VFW District 12 (17 VFW Posts) conducted their Awards Banquet Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024 at Collinsville VFW. Categories were Patriot Pen (500 word written essay ) Voice of Democracy (audio essay three to five minutes. ) and Teacher of the Year. The top three finishers were recognized, and the First Place winner advances to State for judging.

The Patriot’s Pen theme was “How are you inspired by America?” District 12 received 390 entries, First place was awarded to Katelyn Davin from Staunton. Katelyn received a certificate, a monetary prize and will move on to the Illinois VFW State finalists.

Vo...