Veterans of Foreign Wars recognize local students

On Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, at the Cowlitz Valley VFW Post 1045 in Longview, Veterans of Foreign Wars District 16 presented certificates and cash awards to winners of the 2025-2026 Youth Essay (grades three through five), Patriots Pen (grades six through eight), and Voice of Democracy (grades nine through 12) essay contests. District 16 Commander Gary Archer, District 16 Auxiliary President Doreen Dale, and District 16 Junior Vice President Tom Huffman made the presentations. District 16 is comprised of six posts within the Southwest Washington area: Post 1045, Longview; Post 2200, Chehalis; Post 3721, Long Beach; Post 5297, Cathlamet; Post 5439, Mossyrock; and Post 10882, Toutle. Winners from the local posts were forwarded to District 16 and judged.

Winners in the District 16 competition for Youth Essay and their corresponding post and prize are as follows: For third grade, Quinn Mills (Post 5297) took first place and won $50, 2nd place, Joslyn Hill (Post 5297) took second place and won $25, and Ava Buchanan (Post 1045) took third place and won $15. For fourth grade, Norah Wiest (Post 5297) took first place and won $50, and Chance Phelps (Post 5297) took second place and won $15. For fifth grade, Thomas Sutton (Post 5297) took first place and won $50, Olivia Engebo (Post 1045) took second place and won $25, and Marley Titus (Post 10882) took third place and won $15. For Patriots Pen, Caroline Benjamin (Post 1045) took first place and won $100, and Lily Webster (Post 10882) took second place and won $75. For Voice of Democracy, Sadie Chapman (Post 10882) took first place and won $150, Rylie Willis (Post 5297) took second place and won $100, and Emily Wirkkala (Post 3721) took third place and won $75.

All first-place winners progress to the Washington state level. Afterwards, all first-place Patriots Pen and Voice of Democracy winners then progress to the national level. First-place Patriots Pen winners are awarded at least $500 at the state level, and $5,000 at the national level. First-place Voice of Democracy winners are awarded at least $1,000 at the state level and $35,000 at the national level. Of the $745 District 16 awarded, $230 went to Wahkiakum students.

The VFW is dedicated to promoting patriotism and investing in our future generations. Students are encouraged to participate in the Youth Essay, Patriots Pen, and Voice of Democracy essay programs and win their share of more than $1 million dollars in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program.