Students were honored recently at a banquet for the VFW Voice of Democracy and Patriots Pen essay contests at VFW Post 3165 in Negaunee. Back row from the left: Jason Wallner, Post Commander; Ann Backhurst, Auxiliary President; Dean Maki, Post Scholarships Chairman; and Linda Dillman, Auxiliary Scholarships Chairperson. Front row: Patriots Pen first place Alivia Hill; second place Noelle Brown; third place Priya Morey; and Voice of Democracy first place Morgan Carilli. Not pictured are second place Liliana Saunders and third place Ryan Kerkela.