ECHS Veterans Day Ceremony Recap: Voice of Democracy Essay Winners

Multiple Standing Ovations For Our Veterans

Edwin Vincent, USAF Chief Mas. Sgt, ret. presented the awards for the 2024 ECHS Voice of Democracy winners, L-R: Winner Brayden Johnson, second place winner Cariann Williams, and third place winner Maggie Cassady.

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
It was an emotional event today at the 2024 Veterans Day Program at Edmonson County High School, a longstanding tradition that filled the gym with students, staff, veterans, and community members.

Each year, the local VFW Post 6937 choose the top three winners from the annual Voice of Democracy essay contents, which are submitted by ECHS students. Third place wins $200, Second place wins $300, and the top winner receives $500.

This year's winners were recognized as they read their essays with Brayden Johnson being selected as this year's winner. Brayden is a junior and the son of Brad and Jodi Johnson of Bee Spring.

Junior Cariann Williams was awarded second place. She is the daughter of Jonathan and Whitney Williams of Brownsville. Third place was awarded to senior Maggie Cassady, daughter of Marty and Stephanie Cassady of Chalybeate.

One addition to this year's program was inviting all local veterans to not only stand to be recognized, but also allowing them to introduce themselves, briefly discuss their service, and offer advice to students in attendance. Each veteran received a hearty round of applause, with many receiving cheers and whistles, and one even receiving a standing ovation, which was 92-year old Noel Carroll, who was introduced by his son, Gerald Carroll, also a veteran.

Veteran Noel Carroll (age 92) with his son, Gerald Carroll, also a vet.

Army veteran Paul Vincent, one of only two of Edmonson County's last known living WW2 veterans at age 96 was supposed to be honored today but was too ill to attend, according to Edwin Vincent, USAF Chief Mas. Sgt, ret., who was today's guest speaker. The other known WW2 vet is D.C. Decker, age 96 of Bee Spring.

Edwin Vincent challenged the student body to do more to help others as he shared a story from more than 40 years ago when he said a young man approached him at a gas station and asked for money to help get his family home for Christmas but Vincent refused.

He said he has regretted it ever since but has made sure to do so on all opportunities he's had since that time. He offered $500 to any student that would be willing to volunteer 1000 hours to any nonprofit. The only stipulations were the nonprofit had to document the hours and the money must be donated to a charity of the student's choice.

The ECHS band performed two patriotic numbers as well as the ECHS Choir. ECHS FFA President Konner Hardin led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance, and Principal Jonathan Williams and Asst. Principal Nikki Culbreth assisted in the emcee duties for the event.

The Bank of Edmonson County hosted all veterans and their families this morning in a hospitality room were they were served breakfast. The DAV Auxiliary hosted a Veterans Day luncheon at the Heritage Centre.

Sponsors for the cash awards for the Voice of Democracy winners were Gravil Funeral Home, Kyle White Edmonson County PVA, and Kevin Alexander, Edmonson County Clerk.