VFW Post 10643 honors Patriot’s Pen and Voice of Democracy student winners

By Ed Pierce

There is no shortage of patriotism in Windham and especially on Veterans Day. During this year’s annual Veterans Day observance, three local students were honored as winners of VFW Post 10643’s Patriot’s Pen essay contest and the Voice of Democracy audio essay contest.

Winners of VHW Post 10643's Patriot's Pen and Voice of'
Democracy contests gather on Veterans Day at the Windham
Veterans Center. From left are Zoie Hougaz-McCormick,
Brenna Wheeler and Amber Sands.
PHOTO BY ANDREA HOUGAZ-MCCORMICK
 

The first-place winner of the Patriot’s Pen competition for area students in Grades 6 to 8 was Zoie Gabriel Hougaz-McCormick, a sixth grader at Windham Middle School who wrote her essay on the theme “My Voice in America’s Democracy.” Sixth grader Brenna Wheeler of Windham Christian School was second in the Patriot’s Pen contest writing about “My Voice in America’s Democracy.” Taking home first-place for students in Grades 9 to 12 was Windham Christan Academy junior Amber Sands for her audio-essay on the theme is "Is America Today Our Forefathers’ Vision?" Each of the three winners got to read their essays before an audience of more than 200 attending Veterans Day events at the Windham Veterans Center on Nov. 11.

As local winners from Windham, Hougaz-McCormick, Wheeler and Sands advance in the contest to compete at the VFW district level in Maine. The girls also were presented with checks by VFW Post Commander Willie Goodman for winning the local contest. Hougaz-McCormick received a first-place check for $200, while Wheeler took home a second-place check for $150. Sands received a first-place check for $250.

Goodman said that the Patriot's Pen essay competition is open to all middle school students from Windham and Raymond attending Windham Middle School, Jordan-Small Middle School in Raymond, Windham Christian Academy, Baxter Academy for Technology and Science, and other public and private schools and home-schooled students, in grades 6 to 8. Middle school students were invited to write a 300- to 400-word essay about this year's theme and what it specifically means to them. The Voice of Democracy competition is open to all high school students from Windham and Raymond in grades 9 to 12, including those who are home-schooled. Students are asked to write and record a 3- to 5-minute essay (on an audio CD) on this year's theme and the meaning it holds for them.

Essay Contest

The essay contest encourages young minds to examine America’s history, along with their own experiences in modern American society.

District winners compete in the VFW’s annual state competition while trying to secure a berth in the national competition with a chance to win thousands of dollars in college scholarships. The first-place VFW state winner also receives a four-day trip to Washington, D.C. to compete in the national Patriot’s Pen contest.

Each year, nearly 25,000 students in grades 9 to 12 from across the country enter to win their share of more than $2 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the Voice of Democracy program. The first-place winner nationally receives $5,000 for the Patriot's Pen winning essay and the first-place winning essay nationally for the Voice of Democracy receives a $35,000 college scholarship.

Hougaz-McCormick said the best part of this year’s contest was being able to share her work with the community because she could show others her opinions and make a difference in the world.

“Making sure my opinions were strong enough that people would listen to them and consider what I had to say was the hardest part of the contest for me,” she said. “It took me about three weeks to write it and I worked on it after school for about 30 to 45 minutes a day. I thought about how much democracy means to me and I wrote down all my feelings and then put it together in an essay.”

She said that her family was excited and happy for her when she won the contest, but it was challenging to read her essay aloud before the audience.

“I was a little nervous at first, but I felt honored and excited to read my essay,” Hougaz-McCormick said. “I would recommend participating in this contest to other students because it gives others an opportunity to express their feelings about topics they feel strongly about. I learned that if you step outside your comfort zone it can have a positive consequence.”

According to Hougaz-McCormick, she would like to become a police officer when she grows up and specifically a D.A.R.E. officer.

Patriot’s Pen second-place winner Brenna Wheeler said the best part of the contest was typing out her essay and seeing the progression she was making.

“This helped me show how much my essay had grown since the rough draft,” Wheeler said. “The hardest part was keeping to the word count. My rough draft was over the word limit and I had to cut it down. And, for me, I would have typed more and more.”

It took her about three weeks to fully complete her essay.

“My teacher did a great job making sure we started early and had enough time to edit and make sure we were happy with our final draft,” she said. “My teacher suggested we start with a question and write an answer for that question. It helped so I could summarize what we could do for My Voice in America’s Democracy.”

Surprised by honor

Once she learned she was one of the local winners, Wheeler said her family was very surprised and excited.

“It was really encouraging for me as it showed you can accomplish something you work hard for,” she said. “I am proud of what I did and honored to be one of the winners. Reading my essay in front of the VGW members and their families was nerve racking. I was so nervous. But I soon realized that it would all be just fine and that I needed to have confidence. I was honored to be the first person to read their essay. I highly recommend other students participate in this contest. It is hard work to write an essay, but it is worth it. You get to see your progress and you may even get the chance to read it in front of veterans and their families. Do not be afraid to be a voice, and do not be afraid to speak in front of others. Both of these will help you in the future and show that hard work pays off. You should always try and maybe you’ll receive a reward.”

Wheeler said she wants to pursue a career in photography, science, or astronomy when she’s older.

For Amber Sands, the best part about being in the Voice of Democracy contest was the confidence it gave to her writing.

“I've been hoping to win this contest for years, and finally achieving that was a great boost for my creative self-esteem,” she said. “The hardest part was recording my essay. I tried to put as much feeling into it as I could, like I would if I was speaking directly to someone. It was difficult to manage without sounding like I was simply reciting a paper. I worked on this in my government class for a few days, so probably a total of an hour and a half. Being in a government class was great for writing my essay, because I was able to use terminology I hadn't known before. I'm also a fan of the musical Hamilton and enjoyed referencing that time period using my knowledge of the movie.”

She says her family members are proud of her achievement and excited that this could be a great step for her potential writing career.

“I'm generally fairly confident speaking in front of people, but I was definitely nervous at the Windham Veterans Center,” Sands said. “They were a great audience though, and many people came up to me afterward to congratulate me and compliment my essay. I would recommend this contest to other students because it really is a great platform, and it is totally worth it. I have taken away from this experience that you never know what will happen and how much people will like your work, but it's still good to try! You could end up touching a lot of people.”

Sands said she plans to go into creative writing for a future occupation.

“Writing is something I've always loved to do, and so this was a great step for me,” she said. <

The results are in! - By Walter Lunt

THE RESULTS ARE IN!


State Senate District 26

Bill Diamond

Saying he is honored and humbled by the confidence placed in him by voters over opponent Ryan McDonald, Maine Senator Bill Diamond is poised to begin his 21^st year of elective public office. The Eagle spoke with the popular Windham Democrat as he celebrated quietly at his home Tuesday night. Following three terms in the Maine house, several years as secretary of state and seven terms in the senate, the Eagle asked about the likelihood of a run for governor in 2018.

“You know, it all comes down to impact on family. I have eight grandkids and to do that would be a mean a really solid commitment. So right now, I can’t say for sure.” But he did not rule out the possibility.

Diamond said a great many of his constituents “…never got out of the recession and are working multiple jobs.” He promised to work on ways to make the economy stronger.

Diamond serves on the legislature’s transportation and government oversight committees.

Senate District 26 includes the six Cumberland County towns of Windham, Raymond, Casco, Standish, Frye Island and Baldwin.

House District 24

Mark Bryant

Democrat Mark Bryant defeated Republican challenger Benjamin Martin in House District 24 which covers the northern part of Windham. Bryant, who has served five non-consecutive terms in the Maine House, expressed sincere thanks to his constituents Tuesday night and said he looks forward to making a difference in the lives of people in Windham and the State of Maine by working with legislators on both sides of the aisle. He said his constituents have expressed concern over the issue of population growth in Windham, which is taxing resources and impacting land conservation. 

Bryant, who supported a referendum proposal to raise Maine’s minimum wage, said job creation is also at the top of his list this term.

“I’m honored and humbled (by this victory),” said Bryant. “And I want my constituents to know that I don’t take them for granted.”

House District 25

Patrick Corey

First elected in 2014, Patrick Corey has served one term in the Maine House. He ran uncontested in District 25, which covers the southern part of Windham.

Corey said he enjoys working with constituents as bills run their course through the legislature, and strongly urges people to contact him about any issue, any time.

Corey’s work on the legislature’s Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee included a bill to protect outdoor shooting ranges. He opposed Maine’s ballot initiative to require background checks for privately sold firearms.

He said he hears often from constituents who are concerned about “high taxes, all taxes: Income, sales and property taxes…and the cost of higher education.” Locally, he said people are worried about seemingly uncontrolled growth in Windham and want to preserve the local heritage and rural character. He hears constituents ‘concerns about people working together in Augusta and plans to work in a bipartisan manner to maintain civil discourse.

District 66 which is all of Raymond except southwest corner

Jessica Fay

As small business owner, Fay said she will work for the issues that the voters are passionate about.

“I am honored and excited to be the next representative for Maine House District 66. I had so much support from people with lots of different ideas and that gives me hope for the next two years.”

 

She defeated incumbent Mike McClellan for the seat in the Maine House and plans to work with him to discover some of the things he feels are important to folks in the district, she said. 

“I have had so many important conversations with voters over the last 6 months, and the issues raised are the same ones I talked about during the campaign...good paying jobs, education, rising healthcare costs and property taxes, addiction and access to effective pain management.”  

She thanks her strong supporters. “This campaign was a total team effort. There were lots of people involved and I value the time and energy of each and every one. I am honored to have been elected and I can't wait to get started.”

District 67 (portions of Raymond, Gray, Casco)

Susan M. Wilkinson Austin

Austin defeated challenger Rachel Lyn Rumson for her seat in the state house of representatives. She has served five non-consecutive terms and has been on the business, labor, commerce, research and economic development committee since she first started her political work. It is her hope to continue on that committee. 

“It’s a nice day after,” she said after only having a few hours of sleep. She plans to go back to Augusta with the same can-do attitude. “I’ve always been very collaborative so we can start out on the best foot we can,” she said. “Then we can get good things done for the Maine people.” 

She is waiting to see if she has legislative work to do in Gray with two sections looking to secede from the town. She will also work with Frye Island and its ongoing educational debate with SAD6.

Her goal is to, “Do the very darn best job I can do every day. I’m inclusive, not exclusive.”

Windham Town Council, South District

Donna Chapman

Current chairperson of the Windham Town Council, has served from 2007 to 2010 and then was elected in 2013. Her goal for this term is “to continue the bipartisan working relationships of the council, in order for us to maintain lower taxes and still develop Windham into a Community that respects the opinions of its residents and can work together to make a Windham an even better place to live, work and play.”

She is excited to work with the new council member Jarrod Maxfield. “Jarrod brings a different perspective on how to empower communication to help get information out into the community on agendas and important projects. I am excited to work with Jarrod and his ideas on streetlights and moving forward on some of the 21 Century Downtown Plan.”

The councils’ top priorities moving forward as Chapman sees it are, “We truly need a public works garage, how to keep costs down and yet provide adequate services for the public. To move forward on a sewer that does not cost the taxpayers solely and protects the watersheds in North Windham for future generations.

Windham Town Council, North District

Jarrod Maxfield

Newcomer Jarrod Maxfield ran unopposed for the North District seat on the Windham Town Council, formerly held by Roy Moore who did not seek re-election. It is his first publicly elected position. He owns Necessary Technology in Portland.

Maxfield said the catalyst for his decision to run was when a friend purchased commercial property in Windham.

“It should have been an exciting time for him, but instead he encountered only challenges and obstacles. He wasn’t asking anything from anyone,” Maxfield continued. “Just making an investment in the town. That needs to be encouraged (not discouraged),” he said.

Currently a member of the town’s energy advisory committee, Maxfield supports the 21^st Century Downtown proposal and the town’s new comprehensive plan. Regarding the North Windham shopping district, he said, “we need to do something smart up there: A modern wastewater treatment plan, nicer streets and nicer restaurants. I’d like Windham people to spend money in Windham.”

Windham Town Council, At Large

Bob Muir

Bob Muir was re-elected to his at-large position on the town council. As with all the council candidates, he ran unopposed. Muir has served for four non-consecutive terms on the council. Muir said taxes are a priority,… “especially for the elderly on fixed incomes.” He said it can be “difficult to adjust the town budget to the town’s rising costs.” And he feels he is often the voice of residents who are hesitant to complain or address the town council.

“We’ve got a very good council right now and I’d like to continue our good work for the town.” Muir praised Jarrod Maxfield. “He’s a good addition to the council.

Muir also supports integrating the 21^st Century Downtown proposal into a new comprehensive plan.

“It will improve the looks (of the area), movement of traffic and be pedestrian friendly. Connectivity of neighborhoods in the area could be tricky, he added. “Neighborhoods like to stay self- contained.” But he observed it will be the job of the council to work out these and other problems.

Regional School Unit (RSU)14 Board Director

Eric Colby

Running unopposed, Eric Colby was re-elected to a second term on the RSU14 School Board.

Coming off a “three year learning curve,” Colby said he felt he could contribute more readily to the board during his next term.

Colby, a security sales engineer, said his first years taught him great respect for teachers.

“Anybody who says teachers don’t work hard just don’t know anything about the profession. (Especially considering) everything we throw at them, they are great people and everybody (in RSU14) is doing a great job,” he said.

Regarding the question of capital improvements versus new middle school, Colby said, “Pay me now or pay me later. Considering our growth and the age of our current facilities we’re going to have to accommodate our needs.”

Regional School Unit (RSU)14

Scott McLean

Scott McLean will be the newcomer on the RSU14 School Board. With a 10-year-old in the district, McLean said he hopes to make a positive difference for kids in the district. A production administrator for Lucas Tree, he said he’ll take his new position on the board “day by day.” 

McLean said he is particularly interested in the newly established homework evaluation team. The group will research the efficacy and the amount of homework that should become policy in the district.

Cumberland County Board of Commissioners, District 2

Susan Witonis

Still another uncontested race was for a seat on the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners. Susan Witonis will serve a second four year term. She said her focus is on public safety and favors as much practical regionalization as possible, citing the regional dispatch service in Windham and contract deputy services through the sheriff’s office as examples of successful models.

An important part of the job, said Witonis, who represents nine towns including Raymond and Windham, is making sure that rural areas are fairly represented in the funding formula for the county budget.

Work continues, she added, in the search for a sports tenant at the Cross Insurance Center, adding that she is hopeful that could happen within the next year.