VFW Awards Dinner

Commander Angelo Correa, along with the officers and members of Medford VFW Post 7677 and it’s auxiliary held their 30th Annual Awards Dinner in the Post Hall. The post was chartered July 15, 1946.

Following opening ceremonies, there was a solemn reading of the names of past Post Commanders and past Auxiliary Presidents. They were recognized for their service to the post and to Medford and surrounding communities.

Following an excellent buffet dinner, prepared by Chef Ed Gerber, and his staff, awards were presented to three individuals who have given exemplary service to the community. This year’s recipients were chosen from the Township of Medford. They are Detective Nicole Fellona, Police Officer of the Year, James Clancy, Sr., Firefighter of the Year and Donna Dovi, EMT of the Year. Plaques of appreciation were awarded to each of these outstanding individuals. Each recipient was accompanied by members of their respective organizations.

Next to be honored, were those who have won cash awards along with certificates of recognition for their participation in The VFW’s national patriotic speech and essay programs.

The Voice of Democracyis an essay and speech competition for those of high school age. The national winner of the competition will win $30,000. Kaitlyn Birnbohm-Kaminski of Seneca High School won first place at the post level of the competition. Rachel L. Tocci of Seneca High School, placed second at the post level. We are all very proud of these patriotic young ladies!

For students of middle school age, The Patriot’s Pencompetition is a written essay event. The national winner of this competition will win an award of $5,000. Post level awardees received certificates and cash awards. Luke Walker of Indian Mills Memorial School was a first place winner at the post level. We also made awards to each of three runners up. (One from each of the participating middle schools). Luke B. Denn of St. Mary of the Lakes School, Morgan Hough of Indian Mills Memorial School, and Kiersten White of Olson Middle School.

Entries of award recipients in the Voice of Democracy and the Patriot’s Pencontests have been passed on to the district (county) stage competition for judging at that level.

Recognition and awards were presented to educators who have been supportive and instrumental in helping Medford VFW Post 7677 implement these exciting speech and essay programs. Among those recognized were Karen O’Neil of Seneca High School, Cathy Campeau of Indian Mills Memorial School, Jen Petagno of Medford Township Schools, Jean Drozd of Olson Middle School and Teresa O’Neill of St. Mary of the Lakes School. The support of these exceptional educators is much appreciated.

On Veterans Day, November 11, 2015, following a great breakfast for veterans in the Kirby’s Mill School library awards were made to winners and runners up in the post’s local essay contest for fifth graders. The Walter Levy Essay Contestwas run in the five elementary schools of Medford Township. Cash prizes and certificates were awarded at a school assembly to ten deserving young patriots.

Our final award of the evening was made to our teacher of the year: Dr. Kimberly Mueller of F.L. Walther School, Lumberton. Dr. Mueller had previously received a Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching Recognition. With reference to that award: “Dr. Mueller has redefined what mathematics can be for five and six year olds. Dr. Mueller was named Lumberton Township Educator of the Year for 2005–2006. She was honored in 2004 in the New Jersey Department of Education Best Practices in Mathematics program. Her creative program ‘Are You Ready for Some Football?’ won an Outstanding Program Award from the New Jersey Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development”.

Themes for the 2016–2017 competitions have been announced. For the Voice of Democracy: My Responsibility to America and for the Patriot’s Pen: What Freedom Means to Me. Participation by local schools is welcome and encouraged. Please contact the VFW Post 7677 Americanism Chairman, Cliff Toye at (609) 744–3178 for more details.

Photos from the annual Awards Dinner can be viewed on the VFW Auxiliary to VFW Post 7677 Facebook page or by visiting www.MedfordVFW.com.