JCHS Students Honored in Voice of Democracy Essay Competition

Joliet Central High School students Moises Garcia, Katelyn Hrpcha, Alexis Ruchala, and Jailene Santoyo were recently awarded VFW’s Voice of Democracy educational awards through the Voice of Democracy audio-essay competition. More than 40,000 high school students from across the country enter to win a share of the $2.2 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the competition.

Garcia was awarded first place with a prize of $100. Santoyo was awarded second place, Hrpcha third, and Ruchala received fourth place. All four students are sophomores. Joliet Central Class of 1949 alumnus Robert Gutierrez of Post 21299 Stone City Joliet presented the award to the recipients.

Contest guidelines required that each speech be 3-5 minutes in length based upon the theme, “Why Veterans are Important to our Nation’s History and Future.”

Garica, the first place recipient, spoke about the importance of veterans and their role in shaping the history of America through their service in wars past and present:

“Every day, we live out the freedoms America has provided its fellow citizens. These freedoms range from the freedom of speech to the freedom of religion. But did you know that these freedoms would not be achievable without the veterans who have fought for this country throughout our history? These brave men and women have not only risked their lives to support a country they love, but they have also lost years, years they could have spent with their own families. These people have sacrificed precious time in order to uphold and protect the freedoms and the citizens of America,” said Garcia.

English teacher Lynn Price proofread the students’ speeches and edited them for time and content. Mrs. Price coached the students on delivery and style, and then worked with audiovisual specialist Don Gray to have their speeches recorded onto a CD.

The VFW established the Voice of Democracy program (VOD) in 1947 to provide students grades 9-12 the opportunity to express themselves in regards to democratic ideas and principles.

Garcia ended his speech with this final thought:

“Sacrifice is meaningless without remembrance. So the next time you walk into a McDonalds in the morning and see the table of veterans enjoying their morning coffee, acknowledge them for sacrificing precious years of their lives and enduring hell on earth in order to represent and protect this country known as ‘The Land of Freedom.’”

Photo Identification:
Top Photo (L to R): Lynn Price, Moises Garcia and Robert Gutierrez

Bottom Photo (L to R): Lynn Price, Katelyn Hrpcha, Moises Garcia, Robert Gutierrez Jailene Santoyo, and Alexis Ruchala