LIVERMORE FALLS – The VFW District 9 essay winners have been announced by Chairman Erlon Rose.

The 59th annual Voice of Democracy essay topic this year was “How I Demonstrate My Freedom.” The Patriots Pen essay focused on “Citizenship in America.” The winners will advance to the VFW state competition. Awards for the 11th District winners will be presented at a banquet on Jan. 13 in Waterville.

VOD winners were: first, Brian Bilodeau, 17, a senior at Lewiston High School, sponsored by Greene VFW 11032; second, Sharaya Linscott, 17, a junior who is home schooled, sponsored by Auburn VFW Post 1603; and third, Ian C. Wilcox, 15, a freshman at Livermore Falls High School, sponsored by Jay VFW Post 3335.

Patriots Pen winners were: first, Mackenzi Maselli, 12, a seventh-grader at Lewiston Middle School, sponsored by Lewiston VFW Post 9150; second, Forest Cornell, 13, eighth-grader at Sugg Middle School, sponsored by Lisbon VFW Post 9459; and third, Marissa Guild, 11, sixth-grader at Livermore Falls Middle School, sponsored by Jay VFW Post 3335.

VFW District 9 is comprised of Auburn, Lewiston, Lisbon, Lisbon Falls, Jay, Livermore, Livermore Falls, Greene, Rumford, Mexico and South Paris.