VFW Post 10789 in Brentwood recently announced the top candidates from East Contra Costa County for the Voice of Democracy high school speech competition and the Patriot’s Pen middle school essay-writing contest.

For the Voice of Democracy, first place was awarded to Elizabeth Day of Liberty High School; second place to Sarah Crowder of Paideia Academy; and third place to LaTia Winfrey of Freedom High School. For the Patriot’s Pen, first place went to Jacob Weber of Edna Hill Middle School; second place to Sabrina Cortes of Paideia Academy; and third place to Justin Fontenot of Paideia Academy.

Cash prizes ranging from $50 to $300 were awarded at a special dinner honoring the contestants. Elizabeth Day has advanced to the district competition for a chance to advance to the national level and win a $30,000 scholarship.

– Contributed by Jeff Weber