Batavia VFW honors essay winners

Four Batavia students were among those honored at the 19th District Veterans of Foreign Wars and Ladies Auxiliary Patriot's Pen Awards Dinner on Jan. 31 at Batavia VFW Post 1197.

John Pacer, John Raucci, Anders Malm, and Marissa Bode, all eighth-grade students at Rotolo Middle School, were among the 51 finalists chosen from 4,000 entries in the "Patriot's Pen Contest." Each of the students wrote a 300-word essay based on the theme: "Why America's Veterans Should Be Honored." Each finalist received a monetary cash award from the sponsoring VFW post.

Bob Zeman, Patriot's Pen chairman from Batavia Post 1197, and Margaret Greene, the 19th District Patriot's Pen Chairman, introduced the finalists and the third- through sixth-place winners. Tying for sixth place were Celine A. Baticados from Post 1378 in Woodridge and Joshua Olson from Post 2149 in Wood Dale. Fifth place went to Christian M. Ahern, Post 2048 in Elmhurst. Michael Einig from Post 2377 in Glendale Heights took fourth place. Christian J. Yon from post 3873 in Naperville was awarded third place.

Steve Schaefer, Youth Activities and Patriot's Pen director from the VFW Department of Illinois, along with Jo Lynn Altvatter, senior vice president of the Ladies Auxiliary Department of Illinois, introduced the second-place winner from Post 3873 in Naperville, Carlo R. Castillo.

19th District VFW Commander Al Yankle and 19th District Auxiliary President Linda Sturk announced the first-place winner from Batavia, Marissa Bode and presented her with a check for $400. Before Marissa left the podium, Yankle and Sturk announced that Marissa Bode also won third place Illinois. She was presented with a bound certificate and an additional check for $500. Rotolo Middle School teacher Linda Richards wept with pride as Marissa's name was announced.

Following remarks by the Department representatives, the district president and commander of the VFW, Marissa Bode read her prizewinning essay. All the eighth-grade students were urged to continue their writing by entering the "Voice of Democracy" contest open to high school students. Students from sixth to eighth grade were urged to enter again in the 2009 Contest. The 2009 theme was announced and will be posted on the National VFW Web site. Having students enter the Patriot's Pen or Voice of Democracy essay contest is an excellent way to voice their patriotism and to learn about the sacrifices our veterans have made and are currently making for our freedom here in the USA. For information, visit www.bataviavfw.org and click on the Ladies Auxiliary link to Patriot's Pen. Batavia Overseas Post 1197 is at 645 S. River St. in Batavia. For details, call (630) 879-9630.