Mount Saint Mary Students Win Prizes in VFW Contest

Two students from Mount Saint Mary Academy in Watchung have been honored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars for their submissions to the organization’s annual Voice of Democracy contest. Sophomores Gabriela Alba of Springfield and Trisha Parayil of Bridgewater earned second and third places, respectively, for VFW Post 10122 in Scotch Plains. Alba also earned third place in Union County. Pieces by Mount students Rionach McEwen of Scotch Plains, Jugdip Khokher of Iselin, Isabel Velarde of East Brunswick, and Michelle Ferrer of Mountainside were nominated as well.

Voice of Democracy is a unique contest that requires students submit audio recordings of their original essays in addition to the written essays themselves. Submissions are judged based on the quality of the written piece, the strength of the overall message, and the impact of the student’s presentation. Each year, the VFW selects a patriotic theme for students to contemplate. This year’s theme was “Why Veterans are Important to our Nation’s History and Future.” The students created their essays and recordings as part of their honors course work in American History.

Mount Saint Mary Academy is a Catholic, independent school which provides an exemplary college preparatory education for young women in grades 9 through 12. Founded in 1908 as a sponsored work of the Sisters of Mercy, the Mount remains committed to challenging each student to develop her fullest potential in a Christian atmosphere of love and caring.