LEWISTON – Post 9150, Veterans of Foreign Wars, presented the winners of the Voice of Democracy and Patriots Pen essay contests with their prizes on Nov. 25.

Students and their families were invited to the Lewiston Elks Lodge on Lisbon Street for a light lunch and presentation.

Winners were: Voice of Democracy, high school level, Hanan Ahmed, Jama Ahmed, Kristen Therrien and Heather Spaulding; Patriots Pen, middle school, Makenzie Masselli, Amanda Bennett and Krysta Coady.

Students placing first will compete at the district level. One winner from each district will compete for first place in the state. One winner will be chosen to receive a scholarship and a trip to Washington, D.C., to compete at the national level.