ROCHELLE — The Floyd J. Tilton VFW Post 3878 recently announced the winners of its Patriot’s Pen and Voice of Democracy contests. 

The Voice of Democracy contest is for high school students who submit a verbal essay on the theme “What are the greatest attributes of our Democracy?”. The winner of this contest is Xitlali Brizuela, a junior at Rochelle Township High School. She received a certificate, a gold medal, and a cash prize from VFW Post #3878 Commander Joe Drought and RTHS Principal Dr. Chris Lewis. Her entry was submitted for judging at the district level.

The Patriot’s Pen contest is for middle school students who submit a written essay on the theme “How are you inspired by America?”. The winner of this contest is Nolan Schweitzer, an eighth-grade student at Eswood School in Lindenwood. His entry was submitted for judging at the district level, which resulted in him being selected as a finalist. District awards will be announced at a banquet in January 2024. He received a certificate, a gold medal, and a cash prize. 

Yeretzi Brizuela, an eighth-grade student at Rochelle Middle School, is a runner up in the Patriot’s Pen contest. She received a certificate, a silver medal and a cash prize. 

Mrs. Debra DeHahn, an English language arts/literature teacher at Eswood School received a certificate of appreciation and recognition for her cooperation and support in advancing the Patriot’s Pen contest.

The Floyd J. Tilton VFW Post 3878 would like to thank those schools, organizations, and individuals who participated in this year’s contests. We look forward to even greater participation next year.