Schools
Voice of Democracy Essay Contest Winners Announced
Three Hicksville High School students have been recognized based on their essays on the theme "Is this the country the founders envisioned?"
Veterans of Foreign Wars William M. Grouse Jr. Post 3211 recently selected three Hicksville High School students as winners of the Voice of Democracy Essay Contest for writing on the theme “Is this the country the founders envisioned?”
The winners include freshmen Patrick LaBarca, who was selected as the first place winner, as well as Faiqa Ali, who won second place, and Melanie Unger, who came in third. The students wrote their essays under the tutelage of social studies teachers Lauren Cardello, Andrea Maxeiner, Stephanie Piscitelli, and Heather Stavrinadis.
LaBarca’s essay, which is an audio essay, will be submitted to the regional competition encompassing all Nassau County school districts. The essays were chosen based on the input of members of the post who read the essays.
The students will be formally recognized by the VFW Post in spring 2021. As part of the program, the first place winner reads their essay aloud to the gathered veterans and local politicians and community members. The event could be held virtually.
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