CRAIG — Students have once again given voice to democracy by participating in a national audio-essay contest.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4265 and Auxiliary in Craig on Monday, Dec. 17, announced the 2018 youth winners for the Voice of Democracy Essay Contest.

The 2018 theme was “Why My Vote Matters.”

VFW Chaplain Don Guthrie and Shauana Merrill, VFW Auxiliary president, announced the winners during the post’s Christmas dinner.

A.J. Barber, a senior at Moffat County High School, won first place for his essay and received a $1,000 scholarship to the college of his choice. He said he would like to attend Western Colorado University and study music and business.

Aliceson Jones, also a senior at Moffat County High School, won second place for her essay and also received a $1,000 scholarship for college. She said she wants to attend Colorado State University and major in pharmacy.

Both students were encouraged to enter the writing contest by Mari Jo Brown, their college public speaking teacher at Moffat County High School.

“The annual Voice of Democracy is sponsored nationwide by VFW posts and auxiliaries, and entries may progress to the district, state, and national levels for prizes and awards. Students compete by submitting both their written essay and an audio recording of their essay,” Brown wrote in a news release.

The annual contest and scholarship make a positive impact on MCHS seniors.

“Post 4265 was very generous in awarding two $1,000 academic scholarships to these Moffat County High School students, and we thank them for their support,” MCHS Principal Kyle York said.