The winners were also presented with certificates of achievement from the BOE by Richards & Petrelli. Edmond Nolan, quartermaster of the Veterans of Foreign War, along with representatives of the VFW Post 7198 in West Milford including post Commander Douglas Bock, presented awards to the “Voice of Democracy” Essay Contest award winners at the Jan. 24 school board meeting. First place winner was senior Leslie Lynn; second place went to Philip Federico, grade 10; third place winner was senior Daniel O’Brien. The winners each received a certificate of achievement and a cash prize from the VFW as well as a certificate from the board of education. Leslie's essay, which she read at the meeting, came in third place at the next level of the contest. The contest theme was "Does my generation have a role in America's future?" The annual contest is open to all students in grades 9 through 12. Photo by Patricia Keller