Winners of the Voice of Democracy and Patriot's Pen essay contests will be announced during a special reception at Fulton VFW Post 2657 Sunday.
The Ladies' and Men's auxiliaries will host the reception at 2 p.m. and the event will feature a reading of the winning students' work. Ladies' Auxiliary President Charlotte Jones said prizes will be awarded to the top three Voice of Democracy entries and the top five Patriot's Pen entries. The themes for this year were "Why Veterans Are Important to Our Nation's History and Future" and "Why I Appreciate America's Veterans."
Jones said the annual essay contest is important because "it keeps us in contact with the students."
"I think it's very important for the students and young people to be aware of who the veterans are and what they did," she said.
With submissions from every school in Callaway County, Jones said she looks forward to reading the students' responses every year.
"I enjoy it because I enjoy seeing the insights these students have - some of these essays are excellent," Jones said. "The kids really have their own ideas."
The first place essay in each contest will go on to compete at the district level, and then potentially on to the state and national contests.
Sunday's reception is open to anyone who would like to attend.