VOICE OF DEMOCRACY WINNERS FROM WORTHAM High School were presented awards, along with teacher and coach, Chris London. On hand for the presentation are (left-right): Mr. Arnie Henderson – Sr. Vice Commander, Ben Havens – third place winner), Samantha Lee – second place winner), Mr. Charles Morgan – Jr. Vice Commander, and Coach London – High School Teacher of the Year. (Submitted Photo)
The Wilbur H. Bailey Memorial Post #5872 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) traveled to Wortham High School on Wednesday, December 12, to honor a teacher and two students.
The VFW members honored their high school teacher of the year, Coach Chris London. Coach London teaches history at Wortham High School and was nominated by his principal, Mr. David Hayes.
Also being recognized from Wortham High School, were two of the winners of the VFW’s Voice of Democracy contest. Samantha Lee won second place, and Ben Havens was awarded third place.
The topic of this year’s contest was “Why My Vote Matters.” The contestants were required to write and record their speech to enter.
Presenting the awards from Post #5872 were Mr. Charles Morgan, Jr. Vice Commander, Mr. Arnie Henderson, Sr. Vice Commander, and Mr. Lawyer Jones, committee member for the speech contest.
Samantha and Ben’s English teacher who encouraged them to compete in the contest is Ms. Erin Zapien.
Along with a plaque documenting their winning speeches, the students also received a check for their effort.
Mr. Morgan praised Wortham High School for their continued participation in their Voice of Democracy Contest. “Wortham High School has participated in our Voice of Democracy Contest for many years, and it usually has at least one or two winners every year,” according to Mr. Morgan.
Wortham High School would like to thank the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #5872 for hosting this contest each year.
High School Principal Mr. Hayes stated, “This VFW contest continues to remind our students of the importance of remembering our veterans, our history, and our need to participate in our democratic process, even as students.”
Article and picture courtesy of Katherine Havens – WHS math teacher.
