Cannon Falls and Randolph Middle and High School students are being recognized for taking part in Cannon Falls VFW Post 4452’s “Patriots Pen” and “Voice of Democracy” essay contests this past fall.
Thirty-two Cannon Falls Middle School students were recognized for their participation in the 2025 Cannon Falls VFW Post 4452 “Patriots Pen” program on Tuesday, Dec. 16. Levi Marthaler from Randolph Schools placed first and will receive $250. Danica Casalenda from Randolph placed second and received $150 and Brooklyn Ekstrom from the Cannon Falls Middle School took third and received $100.
Other participating students received $25.00 for their participation in this year’s program. Cannon Falls students participating included Presley Winchell, Magdalene Johnson, Simon Brechtel, Addyson Paolodichuk, Juen Nobach, Chelsea Webber, Emma Homan, Ellison Lindahl, Daisy Nobach, Norah LaFollette, Victoria Johnson, Sawyer Reberg, Aribella Johnson, Brennan Miller, Vienna Malchow, Collin Merchlewitz, Charlie Venosdel, Grady Harnson, Lydia TeBeest, Peyton Muraski, Brooklyn Ekstrom, Cooper Jack Neuman, Kyle Hernke, Lillian Olvnd, Nora Mies, Shlayah Silva, Zoey Stift, Matthew Holz, Paige Thompson, Isia Harnson, Lola Winchell and Leo Nygaard.
John Hobert and Bob Durdahl made the award presentations on behalf of Cannon Falls VFW Post 4452. Renae Otto and Anne Davisson were thanked for their leadership in promoting the “Patriots” Pen program.
Twelve high school students were recognized for their participation in the Cannon Falls VFW Post 4452 “Voice of Democracy” program for 2025. Zane Beck from Cannon Falls High School was recognized for placing first and received $250, Helaena Hensley from Randolph Schools placed second and received $150 and Alex Shattuck from Cannon Falls High School placed third and received $100.
Other participating students received $25 for their participation. They were James Huseth, Alexa Shattuck, Falon Hepola, Graham Bray, Zane Beck, Hillari Palodichuk, Monette Otterness, Kennedy Harmsen, Axel Rapp, Jonathyn Bank, Katherin Stay and Chase Curtis.
John Hobert and Bob Durdahl made the presentations on behalf of Cannon Falls VFW Post 4452. Heather Loeschke, civics teacher at Cannon Falls High School, was recognized for her leadership in promoting the “Voice of Democracy” program annually.
