VFW honors Voice of Democracy essay

OGDENSBURG — Ryan Lacy of Ogdensburg, a student at Pope John XXIII, was recently honored by the Sparta Veterans of Foreign Wars and Auxiliary at a dinner. Ryan wrote the winning entry for the area Voice of Democracy Essay Contest, an annual competition sponsored by the VFW national organization. This year’s theme was “Does America still have heroes?” Arlene Durkot, president of the auxiliary and chairperson of the contest, presented Ryan with a plaque and a savings bond for his winning entry. Ryan’s essay was then sent on to the county, where it was also voted as the best entry. He will now compete on the state level.