Taylorville VFW/VFW Auxiliary held the awards banquet for Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest on Friday, December 9, 2022. First place was awarded to Julie Wayman, daughter of Jennifer and David Wayman of Taylorville, IL. Julie is a seventh grader at Taylorville Junior High School. Second place was awarded to Jett Morman, son of Ben and Cheryl Morman of Taylorville, IL. Jett attends sixth grade at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Taylorville, IL.

Kavya Patel, a seventh grader at Taylorville Junior High was awarded third place. Kavya is the daughter of Shailesh and Varsha Patel of Taylorville, IL. Julie Wayman’s essay advanced to compete with the other winners from the IL VFW 11th District. Illinois VFW 11th District is comprised of local VFWs from Christian County, Dewitt County, Macon County, Moultrie County, Piatt County, and Shelby County. 

Pictured L to R:
1st row – Julie Wayman, Taylorville-1st place; Jett Morman, Taylorville-2nd place; Kavya Patel, Taylorville-3rd place.
2nd row – Lynn Rice, TJHS Sponsor; Cathy Schaeffer, St. Mary’s Sponsor; Amy Hughes, St. Mary’s Sponsor; Joanne Coady, St. Mary’s Principal.
3rd row – Kari Scott, Youth Activities Co-chair, Taylorville VFW Auxiliary; Marcy Koches, Youth Activities Co-chair, Taylorville VFW Auxiliary; Glen Goodrich, Post Service Officer, Taylorville VFW.