Voice of Democracy essay winners announced

The winners of the Voice of Democracy essay contest Iowa City Post 3949 contest were announced Thursday morning.

In the Voice of Democracy contest students are asked to express themselves on democratic ideas and principles.

Pictured above from left are Washington resident and commander of V.F.W. Post 3949 of Iowa City Ed Weeks, first-place winner Shannon Powers, daughter of Lauren and David Powers, second-place Gabrielle Van Gundy, daughter of Jeff Van Gunde, third-place Paige Lechter daughter of Barb and Kendal Lechty, and Washington High School teacher Brent Van Weelden.

Powers received $100 for first place. Van Gundy received $50 for second place and Lecther received $25 for third place.

Van Weelden said this is the second year students in his government class have participated in the essay contest. Besides writing the essay students are required to audiotape their essay, which has to be two to three minutes in length.