BHS junior Carrie Deitz won the post level of the VFW Voice of Democracy essay contest. This year’s theme was “Is There Pride in Serving in Our Military?”

Entering the contest was a personal decision for Deitz.

“I chose to enter the contest because it’s a great way to get recognized in the writing field,” Deitz said. “I also haven’t won very many individual competitions and I thought it would be nice to try to win something on my own. Plus, this is a great organization with lots of wonderful people.”

Deitz had to write the essay as well as turn in a voice recording.

“You have to write the paper then you have to record yourself reading your essay,” Deitz said. “The recording has to have a time of 3-5 minutes.”

Deitz’s teachers enjoy reading her essays that she turns in for school.

“Carrie is open to the world, and she is deeply reflective about new experiences,” English teacher Bonnie Butell-Huntoon said. “Her essays have an authentic, unique voice, which makes her writing a pleasure to read.”

Winning the post level was exciting for Deitz.

“I was really excited when I was told I was advancing in the competition,” Deitz said. “I wasn’t sure I’d even win the post so winning that and advancing to districts is really nice.”

For most people writing the essay would probably be the hardest part of the contest but not for Deitz.

“Waiting for the results is the hardest part,” Deitz said. “I am a very impatient person so it’s difficult for me to just wait for them to call me and tell me results days or weeks after I submitted the essay.”

Deitz is already thinking about next year’s competition.

“It depends on the prompt and how far I advance in the competition this year if I enter next year,” Deitz said. “If I can enter next year though I will.”