HILLMAN — VFW Post 2356 and its Auxiliary proudly announce the winners of the Voice of Democracy and Patriot Pen essay contests this year, as well as the Teacher of the Year.

The Voice of Democracy winners are: 1st place — Breanna Lynn Cosebier; 2nd place — Richard W. Mills; and 3rd place — James E. DeDouchrie.

Patriot Pen winners are: 1st place — Aubrey Weiland; 2nd place — Levi Vogt; and 3rd place — Madelyn Oswald.

The Teach of the Year is William Dever, who advances to the Department of Michigan VFW Post for judging.

The VFW recognizes Dever and all of the teachers who helped make this year’s contest a success. The teachers made the essays part of the curriculum to be graded. In addition, this essay writing teaches students valuable lifelong skills to help with writing effective papers for grants and scholarships, as well as creating a resume.

A banquet to honor the winners will be planned as soon as the governor of Michigan allows gathering.