Fowlerville VFW Post 6464 and its Auxiliary held the Annual Awards Banquet on Saturday, Feb, 8, where they honored area students who were finalists in the Patriot’s Pen and Voice of Democracy contests, the winners of the three ‘Teacher of the Year’ categories, the ‘Law Enforcement Officer of the Year’, and the ‘Emergency Medical Service Paramedic of the Year’.

The emcee of the program was George Wygant, a VFW member who co-chaired the event along with Carol Johnson of the VFW Auxiliary.

The theme for the Patriot’s Pen was "My Voice in America’s Democracy Today” Area students, grades sixth thru eighth, were invited to submit a written essay of between 300-to-400 words.

   

Grace Schneider, a student at Perry Middle School, was the first-place winner. She received a plaque, a certificate, and $400 from the VFW Post and VFW Auxiliary. She also read her essay to those in attendance.

Placing second Hanna Rush, a student at Williamston Middle School, who received $250 from the Post and the Auxiliary and read her essay, while Kyle Thiel, a student at Fowlerville Junior High, finished third and received $125.

The Voice of Democracy Scholarship Program, which is open to students in high school, and had the theme of "Is America Today Our Forefathers’ Vision?” Participants record an essay that is three-to-five minutes long and also submit a written copy of their speech.

Alyssa Seiter, a student at Fowlerville High School, finished first. She received a cashier’s check in the amount of $600, a First Place Certificate and a plaque. 

 

Arianna Stolarz, a student at Williamston High School, was the second-place winner. She received a cashier’s check in the amount of $350, a Second Place Certificate and a plaque. 

 

The Teacher of the Year Awards are presented to educators who "promote Americanism and Patriotic Principles.” There are three categories: K-5th grades, 6th-8th grades, and 9th-12th grades. 

 

Nicole Elliott, a teacher at Webberville Elementary School, won the K-5th grade category. Tammy Hosford, a teacher at Williamston Middle School, won the 6th-8th grade category. Jill Thomas, a teacher at Fowlerville High School, won the 9th-12th grade category

 

Each of them received a cashier’s check in the amount of $400, a certificate and a plaque.

 

Wygant pointed out that the first-place winners in both the student and teacher contests had moved onto the next round of judging at the District level, with a state and then national award being the goal after that.

Entries were solicited at the Fowlerville Fair, Livingston County Vets Fest, homeschooled students, and those attending the school districts of Fowlerville, Webberville, Williamston, and Howell.

There were also two Safety Awards given out.

Matthew Kelleher, Deputy Chief of the Howell Police Department, was named the ‘Law Enforcement Officer of the Year’, while Robert Cindric of the Livingston County Emergency Medical Service received the EMT/Paramedic of the Year’ award.

Each of them received a cashier’s check for $300, a certificate, and a plaque.

           

The guest speaker at the presentation was Gerald Gorski, a Southfield resident, who had served on the National Council of Administration for the VFW.

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"My voice in America, do we really have one? A lot of young adults, teenagers, and children tend to think that we have no voice. The thing is: we do have a voice. Our voices might not be screaming at the top of our lungs like politicians, but it’s still there. Our voices can never be silenced. We have as much power as thousands of other citizens. As young adults and children our voices can help persuade others to do the right thing. If we can persuade people to do the right thing it could make our great country even greater.

People all throughout history have been fighting for their voice. They might not have started out screaming, but it got louder and louder. Black people have been using their voice for bigger and better things. They started out whispering signal songs of hope as they were getting shipped to different plantations. They’ve gotten so far, using their voices in the underground railroad; to protesting for civil rights, and even having our first black President and Vice President. And now, with their voice, they are unstoppable, accomplishing so much by using their voices to never give up.

You might think that those are the only people who have used their voice when they felt like they had none, well you’re wrong. Our Founding Fathers and colonists had to use a voice that they never thought they had against the King. They found it unreasonable getting taxed for tea among other things, so they started the American Revolution. They dumped tea, wrote to the King, trying to avoid starting a war. Eventually realizing they had no other choice than to declare war against England. The other countries laughed at America. They didn’t think we could pull through, that we could last long as a country. Now, America is the greatest country in the world. 

So, you see, we aren’t that different. If there’s something we see that we think is wrong, we need to speak out against it, and fight against it to make things better. Because you can do anything you put your mind to. You might not be screaming at first, but you won’t be silenced. So don’t stop using your voice, keep screaming, and never stop. People who use their voice become great people, known for good. So be that person, and don’t let anyone silence you.”

My voice in America's democracy can be shown in many ways, some being small acts of citizenship, others being bigger acts which make a large impact on my society. Democracy is, "government by the people." Usually, people relate democracy with your constitutional right to vote when you turn 18. In my opinion though, democracy is a way to show that you as a citizen are remaining active in your community.

My first example of using my voice in America's democracy is making sure I engage in my local government. Staying engaged in my local government is simply participating in school functions, such as Student Council. I would define the Student Council programs a "student government" who vote and make decisions to improve the experience of the school. We represent all of the current students at my school; therefore, we vote on issues such as, "How to spend our school budget?" and "How can we improve our school experience?"

Next, I use my voice by making sure I stay informed about my local and national government's politics. I make sure that I am informed about how the government works before I turn 18. When I tum 18 I can vote, but I can only get one vote per election, so I need to stay informed. I need to know who to vote for and why, so I can make an educated decision. To stay informed, I pay close attention when the teacher is explaining government topics in class.

Finally, I use my voice in America's democracy by encouraging others to vote. Even though I am too young to vote myself, I can indirectly have a voice in America's democracy. Some of my friends and family are old enough to vote, and by encouraging them to vote, I am making an impact in America's democracy. Voting is your responsibility as an American citizen. I know some people who were not planning to vote this year, so I explained this to them, and helped them realize the importance of voting.

In conclusion, I too can have a voice in America's democracy by engaging in my local activities, by staying informed about the government, and by encouraging others to vote. On a regular basis, I do all of these things when I am discussing democracy. These are all of the ways I guarantee people hear my voice in America.

I am still young but my voice in American democracy does not need to be a quiet one. In fact, I think it is even more important for me to form my voice while I am learning and growing. To have a voice in American Democracy is to vote. I am only thirteen years old. I don't have the ability to vote yet, but I can have an opinion. When America was officially founded in 1776 citizens could only vote if they were a landowner or a taxpayer. The logic was that people needed to have "skin in the game "if they wanted to have a say in anything in the government. Over the years, men and women fought for voting to become an American right regardless of sexuality, race, or economic status after the age of eighteen. Americans today do not fully appreciate that fact.

Living as a thirteen-year-old with four little brothers, I could choose to believe that politics do not affect me yet. However, they do, and my voice in American democracy is to educate myself on what is going on in our country. And to understand the history of our nation and what it was built on. This way, when I become eighteen years old, I can cast my vote in an educated way.

 

I have seen many elections and their consequences. An example is, in 2020 schools in my state were shut down three months before we were supposed to get out of school due to the Covid pandemic. They remained mostly closed for months after. Those elected officials made policy decisions that significantly impacted my education and life experience as well as a lot of students, some with negative impacts. My voice in America's democracy is based on educating myself on who is going to make the best decisions for my life and, more importantly, the state or country as a whole, which can affect my generation and generations to come.”

The vision of America was for every individual to have fundamental rights. The birth of our nation, the United States, came from our forefathers, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, John Adams, Alexander Hamilton and many others. Their vision was to have personal freedoms, where there is opportunity for everyone.

 

During their time, they fought a Civil War, causing a huge amount of blood to be shed in order to gain the freedoms we have now. This war was between the United States and Great Britain, at that time, the colonists were under British rule. After the war was won by the colonists, our forefathers accomplished the goal of beginning a new country by establishing and ratifying a constitution with federal and states’ rights. This helps keep the balance of power in America. 

Leading up to our time period, there has been a significant amount of issues in the United States. We overcome these obstacles, and continue to prosper, even in times of major difficulties and disagreements on how to solve crucial issues that could divide and separate our country. Our forefathers fulfilled their vision for each and every individual to vote, this helps to keep us united. 

If they appeared today, they would be proud to see that everyone's voice is still heard by being able to vote and express their opinions. They would be astonished to see that our population has grown to over 346 million citizens who live in a land of fortuity. We have disagreements, but we overcome them together, and work through them.

 

In the past, there was a lot of segregation, judgment, and violence. These problems are still occurring but are gradually disappearing because we listen to others and work together to form a more perfect union. They would see that major difficulties have been overcome and solved by the foundation that they founded. Our fathers would be content to see our nation thriving on industrialization, and the goods, services, and labor we produce. Across our land, the vision from our forefathers is still flourishing today.

"Observe good faith and justice toward all nations. Cultivate peace and harmony with all.” George Washington. Peace can be defined in many ways, such as lack of disturbance, or ataraxia. Peace can also be described as an absence of war and harmony within nations. America’s forefathers were very clear in their stance on this, with Abraham Lincoln going as far as to say that keeping peace is America’s most intrinsic job. Now, almost 160 years later, America has almost completely forgotten that promise, along with many others. America today is not like our forefathers’ vision, for with our stance on independence, our presidential history, and how the Constitution is received, it almost differs fully from what they first began.

  

One way America differs from the beginning vision is the promise of independence. Independence is the state in which a person can support oneself; the state of being non-dependent; and the state of mind in which a person holds neither bias nor prejudice against another. For America’s founders, independence is of moral beliefs and human nature. In the first writing of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson wrote that "all men are created free and independent,” though the one American citizen know is "all men are created equal.”

 

As explained by James Wilson, all are created free, and none may hold power over another without consent, consent given with one’s utmost trust that the other will increase happiness in all governed. In democracy today, it is quite common for people to think only of themselves while voting and not how it will affect the overall happiness of the community. 

Another way independence differs from the beginning vision is economic independence. Economic independence is the right to pursue happiness and have equal chances, as all are created equal. Yet, none are created equal, for if one were to be born a woman, or one were to be a person of color, or neurodivergent, they would be discriminated against.

 

According to Erin George and Gretchen Livingston, as of today, women are paid less, and even though their pay has gone up, they are still not equal, with women being paid 84 percent of what men are on average. Yet men have issues as well. If a man were to be assaulted sexually, there is very little chance for society to believe him, especially if said assaulter was a woman. Clashing with many beliefs, one in six men are assaulted sexually, and many experience the same trauma women do after assault. People of color are also treated unequally. In America, one in four housing applications are denied because the applicant is a person of color, especially if they are an immigrant or in the Black community. As a result of moral beliefs and economic independence, America is not like their forefathers' visions for the future.

 

Another way America differs from its forefathers’ vision is recent presidential history. The founding fathers believed that the president represented the nation as a whole, like a figurehead except with power. Due to this, the president was supposed to have a good track record and not bring the nation down. For the past few decades, however, the presidents have not chosen their actions so well. For example, Richard Nixon’s involvement in the Watergate scandal in the early 1970s was unwise. This, considered a national crime, reflected poorly on America’s social status and virtues, for it affects how others see America and how America sees herself. Although Nixon resigned from his presidency, this event is still remembered today. 

Nineteen years later, another president made a poor choice, Bill Clinton. In January 1998, news came through that the president had an affair with intern Monica Lewinsky. At this time, Clinton was 49 while Lewinsky was 22.  A while later, another president rose with a multitude of crimes. This president is Donald Trump. So far, the man has been charged with 88 criminal offenses and has been found guilty of 34 of these counts. He is the first president ever to be indicted, as of the year 2024. The former president has many accusations from women, although he denies them all. Though other presidents have done wrong, the political economy has begun a rapid decline and it’s just getting faster. For these reasons, America today is not adjacent to our forefathers' beliefs. 

The last reason America differs from its forefathers’ beliefs is the constitution and how it is received. While the original constitution promoted freedom for all, America is slowly losing that freedom. An example of this sorry sight is the McKesson v. Doe case ruling. In the end, mass protesting was banned in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, going against the First Amendment. The promise of freedom is being broken and America is no longer free. The older generations have come to America because they could not speak out, but now that freedom is getting banned. Another way freedom of opinion is being lost is in court cases. On average, the U.S. Supreme Court receives about 10,000 petitions a year, yet they only consider 8,000 petitions and accept around 80 each year for an oral argument.  That is around 9,920 petitions going unheard each year. For these reasons, along with others, the vision of the forefathers’ is not like America today.

Our presidential history, independence, and the constitution have largely changed since the 1800s, not respecting our forefathers’ vision today. Through the rise of prejudice, crime, and much else, America has begun a downward spiral. "A wise and frugal government, which shall leave men free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned — this is the sum of good government.” Thomas Jefferson. To be free is wanted by many and given to little. The pursuit of purpose is so necessary for a human to flourish in their environment. Maybe this is why the world is so squalid and losing its color. America’s ancestors came there to loosen their shackles: all they did was get tighter.

 

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Nicole Elliott, from Webberville Elementary School, Webberville, Michigan was VFW Post 6464 and Auxiliary winner for Grades Kindergarten to Fifth Grade and has advanced to 6th District VFW competition.  Nicole Elliott, received a cashier’s check in the amount of $400.00, Certificate and a plaque.

NICOLE ELLIOTT from Webberville Elementary School was VFW Post 6464 and Auxiliary winner for Grades Kindergarten to Fifth Grade and has advanced to 6th District VFW competition.  Nicole Elliott, received a cashier’s check in the amount of $400, Certificate and a plaque.

I would like to nominate Nikki Elliott, a second-grade teacher at Webberville Elementary, for the VFW Teacher of the Year.

Nikki is an amazing representative for our school and community. She is a tireless worker who innovates and differentiates her lessons to reach all students and meet their needs. She is a kind, caring individual who goes above and beyond for her students as well as her fellow staff members. Watching Nikki in action in her classroom is a joy. The passion she brings to her lessons and the ways that she gets her students to engage at a high level is quite impressive. She does a great job of connecting the students’ learning to their lives and interests. 

Nikki serves on many committees at our school in a leadership position. She is a valued member of our School Improvement team, Teacher Leadership team, and our Reading Month Committee.  Nikki also is a great supporter and mentor for our newer teachers and does an amazing job of sharing her expertise and knowledge with them to help them grow as professionals. Nikki is always willing to work with a staff member to support them if they need advice for how to handle a behavior or instructional situation in their classroom and has offered to allow teachers to observe her in her room so that Nikki can model an example for them. At our Elementary building, we very strongly value the team concept and the mantra that "the whole is greater than the sum of our parts” and Nikki exhibits that fully with her mentorship and willingness to be available to share her craft.

 

Nikki also volunteers and attends multiple events outside of the school day, which shows her students and families that she deeply cares about her students and their interests outside of the school. 

For these reasons and so many more, I strongly recommend and nominate Nikki Elliott for the VFW Teacher of the Year award.

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TAMMY HOSFORD from Williamston Middle School was VFW Post 6464 and Auxiliary winner for Grades Six to Eight Grade and has advanced to 6th District VFW competition.  Tammy Hosford, received a cashier’s check in the amount of $400, Certificate and a plaque.

I am writing to nominate Tammy Hosford for the VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award. Mrs. Hosford, an exceptional sixth grade English Language Arts teacher at Williamston Middle School, has an unwavering commitment to serve others.

As an educator, Mrs. Hosford spends countless hours serving others to build their literacy skills. Personally, she dedicates time outside of work to care for elderly citizens who need extra helping hands. Her compassion for the common good is apparent in her work and beyond.

 

Mrs. Hosford takes initiative in organizing field trips that connect sixth grade students with senior citizens in our community. This opportunity not only enriches the students' educational experiences, but it also fosters intergenerational relationships. Through these field trips, students have the invaluable opportunity to interview seniors and learn about their lives as children. This experience allows them to draw parallels and contrasts between their own experiences and those of older generations. By interacting with elders, students gain insight into the historical aspects of their lives and the societal changes that occurred over decades. This aligns well with the core democratic values, as it promotes understanding, respect, and appreciation of diversity within the community.

 

The field trips to the senior center encourage students to practice skills such as empathy, communication, and critical thinking. As they listen and engage with individuals from different backgrounds, they cultivate a sense of civic responsibility and respect the diverse experiences within our society. Genuinely, the community involvement promotes happiness across ages. Children and adults are smiling, laughing, and sharing personal moments with each other. This is especially important for middle school students, who are forming their own identities and values. Through the experiences at the senior center, they learn the importance of community involvement and the impact their actions have on others.

Mrs. Hosford’s commitment to building students' literacy skills and making connections between generations is apparent in her initiative with the senior center. Thank you for considering Tammy Hosford for the VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award. I wholeheartedly believe her demonstration of the core democratic values within and beyond the classroom deserve recognition.”

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JILL THOMAS from Fowlerville High School was VFW Post 6464 and Auxiliary winner for Grades ninth to twelfth grade and has advanced to 6th District VFW competition.  Jill Thomas, received a cashier’s check in the amount of $400, Certificate and a plaque.

I'm writing to recommend Ms. Jill Thomas for the VFW Teacher of the Year award. While I've only had the chance to work with her for a little over a year, it's clear that she's deeply committed to her students and community, and especially to supporting veterans.

Jill's involvement with veterans stands out. She co-organizes our Military Appreciation Football Game, volunteers with VetFest, and works with Restoring Valor to help restore homes for veterans impacted by natural disasters.

      

She also gives her time each month to serve meals at your post. This kind of dedication is rare, and it shows how much she cares about honoring and supporting those who have served.

Her leadership in the school and local community is equally impressive. She's been the President of our Athletic Boosters for six years, and she serves as Vice President of the Livingston County Gymnastics Board, where the high school gymnastics team competes. She's chaired our School Improvement Team for over 15 years and has been the Student Council Advisor for 20 years. On top of all that, she's the Senior Class Advisor for the Class of 2025!

Ms. Thomas is currently teaching World History, Government, History Through Film, and Academic Focus. In the past she's taught American History, Economics, and Crucial Issues. In every subject, she promotes civic responsibility, democratic values, and the importance of community service.

Jill's commitment to veterans, leadership within the school, and dedication to fostering a sense of civic duty in her students make her an excellent candidate for the VFW Teacher of the Year award. I'm confident she deserves this recognition and encourage you to consider her for this honor.

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DEPUTY CHIEF MATTHEW KELLEHER from Howell Police Department is VFW Post 6464 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year for 2024-2025.  He is receiving a cashier check in the amount of $300.00, a certificate and plaque.

PARAMEDIC ROBERT CINDRIC from Livingston County Emergency Medical Service is VFW Post 6464 EMT/Paramedic of the Year for 2024-2025. He is receiving a cashier check in the amount of $300.00, a certificate and plaque.  Paramedic Robert Cindric was not able to attend tonight.  His award is being accepted by Andy King, Livingston County Medical Service.

 

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From left Jerry Gorski, National VFW Council of Administration; Matthew Kelleher, Deputy Chief of the Howell Police Department who was named ‘Law Enforcement Officer of the Year’; Carol Johnson, VFW Auxiliary; and George Wygant, VFW Post 6464.

 

From left, Jerry Gorski, National VFW Council of Administration; Grace Schneider, first-place winner of Patriot’s Pen; Hanna Rush, second-place winner of Patriot's Pen; Carol Johnson, VFW Auxiliary. 

 

From left, Jerry Gorski, National VFW Council of Administration; Alyssa Seiter, first-place winner of Voice of Democracy; Arianna Stolarz, second-place winner of Voice of Democracy; and Carol Johnson, VFW Auxiliary and George Wygant, VFW Post 6464.

 

From left, Jerry Gorski, National VFW Council of Administration; Nicole Elliott, K-5 Teacher of the Year, Tammy Hosford, 6-8 Teacher of the Year; Jill Thomas, 9-12 Teacher of the Year; Carol Johnson, VFW Auxiliary; and George Wygant, VFW Post 6464.

 

 

Robert Cindric of the Livingston County Emergency Medical Services, Paramedic of the Year

 

Nicole Elliott was VFW District 6 Teacher of the Year for grades K – 5.  She received her award on Jan. 11th, at the 6th District Awards Ceremony held at VFW Post 6464, Fowlerville. From left were Rex Murdock, 6th District Commander; Zech Shaffer, 6th District Chairmen; Nicole Elliott, Teacher of the Year 6th District Grades K-5; Rose Sancrant, 6th District Auxiliary Co-Chairmen; and Dawn Shock, 6th District President