ISHPEMING — VFW Post 4573 in Ishpeming conducted an essay contest for area students. The students submitted an essay based on a theme and submitted them for judging.

There was participation from Aspen Ridge, Westwood and Ishpeming high school with 21 entries in all. Almost all the entries scored very close in points. In one case, the judges had to review two entries seven times.

The results of the middle school participants are: First place -Samigh F. LaFreniere, Second Place – Isabel G. Belpedo, 3rd place – Lyn Jacki Magnuson. The Voice of Democracy High School winners are, First place- Lucy L. Ostola, Second place – Mathew J. Ostola, Third place-Azazel P. Boylan Sprague.

Their essays will be submitted for the 14th District judging. There are financial awards and any student advancing to the State and National level will received additional compensation for travel expenses.