Erin Caley 

Wins Central Illinois 2005 VFW District 10 Essay Contest

Erin placed 1st in the 2005 "Voice of Democracy" competition, 
which is an annual contest sponsored by the local and state VFW chapters.  She received cash, a plaque, and a trip to the state VFW banquet, where her essay - "Their Eyes Remember" - was judged in a state-wide VFW 
competition.  Although Erin did not win in the final judging, she, nevertheless,
 was honored for her VFW District 10 award-winning essay at the annual VFW convention and banquet in Springfield, which was held at the Northenders VFW Post #10302 facility.  She received additional cash awards and plagues.  Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Brett & Susan Caley, along with her history teacher, Mrs. Linda Schilling, are to be congratulated as well.

Erin looks forward to next year's competition, where the overall Illinois 
State VFW winner would receive more cash prizes and an all-expense paid trip to the capitol in Washington, D.C.   Erin placed first among 37 applicants 
in the Mt. Pulaski VFW Post #777 competition earlier last fall.  Justin Milner
placed 2nd in this competition and also was invited as a guest for 
dinner and recognition at the recent district VFW banquet.

Mr. and Mrs. Vernon & Louise Voelker, who serve the local VFW Post #777
 as Quartermaster and Voice of Democracy chairs respectively, are also to be
commended for their organization of this annual competition again this year.  Roger Bates, Commander of VFW Post #777, along with his wife, Karen, as well as all of the other VFW members and the VFW Women's Auxiliary, offered their full support.

There have been two Mt. Pulaski High School students in the past who
 also have finished 1st at the VFW District 10 competition: 
Jeannie Buckles in 1980 and Amy Rubin in 1992.