---

The Chisago Lakes VFW Post 7267 recently sponsored the Patriot's Pen Essay contest (grades 6-8) and Voice of Democracy Oral Essay contest (grades 9th -12th). The contest gives students the opportunity to write essays expressing their views on democracy. This year's Patriot's Pen theme was "Does Patriotism Still Matter?" and Voice of Democracy's theme was "Does My Generation Have a Role in America's Future?"

Pictured, left to right, are the winners of the Patriot's Pen contest: Ali Saueressig, Rachel Dahl, Leah Storch, Madeline Saueressig and VFW representatives Dan Cunnien, John Broecker and Wyman Detzler.

2010 Patriot's Pen Essay Contest awards are: 1st Place: Ali Saueressig, 8th grade, $100 (3rd year in a row), 2nd Place: Madeline Saueressig, 6th grade, $75, 3rd Place: Leah Storch, 6th grade, $50, 4th Place: Rachel Dahl, 6th grade, $25. 2010 Voice of Democracy Oral Essay Contest Winners, 1st Place: Sarah Welle, 9th grade, $100, 2nd Place: Mary Quint, 11th grade, $75, 3rd Place: Matt Koskie, 10th grade, $50.

---