Six Enumclaw students were awarded scholarships for their winning entries in the Voice of Democracy and Patriot Pen essay contests.

Each year, the Veterans of Foreign Wars sponsors the contests. High School students participate in the Voice of Democracy contest and middle school students in the Patriots Pen contest. Voice of Democracy entries include a written essay that is then presented orally. Patriot Pen entries include an essay.

Enumclaw VFW Post 1949 awarded scholarships Feb. 28 to this year’s winners. The Voice of Democracy honors went to EHS students Sophia DeMarco, first place, and Gabrielle DeMarco, second place. The Patriot Pen winners all were from Enumclaw Middle School: they were Natalie DeMarco, first place; Marin Lawson, second; Ashley Dickerson, third; and Kate Dickson, fourth.

Scholarships are given to each winner and their work is entered at the VFW district level. A student winning at the post, district, state and national levels could receive up to $30,000 in scholarships.

This year’s theme for the Voice of Democracy contest was “Why my vote matters.” For Patriots Pen, it was “Why I Honor the American Flag.”

Both first-place winners presented their essays at the VFW Post 1949 meeting. All winners received a plaque, a congratulatory letter from the post commander and a check.