The Crewe Gold Star Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7819 selected the top three winners following intense competition. There were more than 40 entries for the group’s 2023 VFW Patriot’s Pen competition. The winners included Masyn L. Morton of Kenbridge, who earned $150; Baylee E. Petery of Dinwiddie, who earned $100 and Haydn S. Hudson of Crewe, who earned $75. 

VFW Post 7819 Adjutant Greg Eanes presented checks to the winners, who all attend the Kenston Forest School in Blackstone. The multi-county Fourth District competition winners were also announced on Nov. 27, revealing Hudson took First Place in the District and Petery took Third Place. 

As a first-place winner, Hudson’s essay will advance to the VFW State Championship. District Four Scholastic Awards Chairman Mark Wilson said Miss Hudson, Miss Petery and other District winners will receive awards at 11 a.m. on Jan. 20, 2024, during the District 4 meeting at Amelia County Post 8759.