Nearly 60 Northampton Area High School juniors and seniors participated in the annual Voice of Democracy program, which embraces the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ national theme “Why My Vote Matters.”

On Jan. 5, Commander Lawrence Schlittler, a representative of Northampton Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4714, honored the top three finalists at a breakfast at Samuel Owens Restaurant, Coplay. Family members were in attendance for the awards reception.

Adeline Weitknecht, a junior, placed first in the essay contest; second place went to Christy Bilheimer, a senior; and third place belonged to Kennedy Bigelow, a junior.

Jerry Batcha, NAHS teacher and adviser, said he was proud of the number of essays written and noted the top three students were exemplary.

On behalf of the VFW, Schlittler presented the honorees a scholarship and a Voice of Democracy jacket at the event.

“All three finalists will now have their essays submitted to the VFW district for judging on that level,” Schlittler said.

In the 40 years VFW Post 4714 has held the essay contest, Schlittler said he was particularly proud of the award recipients’ writing, which was in superior fashion and captured the essay theme.

The winning essays expressed why voting matters at a time where there is much division, the challenges of voting in expressing their concerns, the feeling of knowing every vote counts, making a difference and being part of something special via the ballot box.