JAY — VFW Post 9787 winners for patriotic contests were recognized Sunday afternoon, Jan. 28, during a ceremony at VFW Post 3335 in Jay.

Jim Manter, judge advocate for Post 3335 indicated there are 44 posts in Maine divided into 11 districts. District 9 is made up of posts from Auburn, Jay, Rumford and South Paris.

Jonathan Carsley, a teacher at Buckfield Jr/Sr High School was named teacher of the year for VFW Post 9787. Teresa Drag, former District 9 commander and commander for the post presented Carsley with his award.

“VFW annually recognizes the nation’s top classroom elementary, junior high and high school teachers who teach citizenship education topics regularly and promote America’s history and traditions effectively,” according to information provided at the ceremony. “Teachers who promote civic responsibility, flag etiquette and patriotism are prime candidates for this award.”

Rhyann Holden who is home schooled won Voice of Democracy, an oral contest.

A contest for high school students, this year’s theme was “What are the greatest attributes of our democracy?”. Entrants are judged on originality [treatment of the theme showing imagination and human interest], content [clearly developed theme using transitions to move smoothly from one idea to another] and delivery [speaking clearly and in a credible manner].

VFW Post 9787 also recognized Melody Hubble as the Patriot’s Pen essay contest winner. The post had no entries this year while VFW Post 3335 had over 28. Some of those entries were sent to other posts in District 9 to be recognized. Hubble is a student at Spruce Mountain Middle School in Jay.

This contest is open to students in grades six through eight. The theme this year was “How am I inspired by America?”. It was judged on theme knowledge, development and clarity of ideas.