From left: VFW Post 8874 Auxiliary President Maria Valenzuela, VFW Post 8874 and District 6 Teacher of the Year Recipient Andrea Determan, District 6 Commander Chris Archuleta and Post Commander Roger Anaya celebrate Determan’s award Thursday night at the VFW. In receiving her award, Determan told VFW members, “I appreciate everything you do for our country.” Determan is a member of the Post 8874 Auxiliary as well as a Gold Star Family. She recently retired from teaching at Barranca Elementary School. Determan worked as an educator for more than 30 years. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com

From left: VFW Post 8874 Auxiliary President Maria Valenzuela, Voice of Democracy Audio Essay Winner at the post and district level Emma Thompkins, District 6 Commander Chris Archuleta and Post Commander Roger Anaya recognize Thompkins’ achievements during an awards ceremony Thursday night at the VFW. Thompkins, who is a homeschooled senior, focused her essay on peaceful and respectful debate. Besides winning top marks at the post and district level, Thompkins’ essay won third place at the state competition. Thompkins told the crowd she has a lot of respect for them, adding her grandfather fought in World War II. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com

From left: VFW Post 8874 Auxiliary President Maria Valenzuela, Patriot’s Pen Essay winner at the post, district and state level Elizabeth Frost, District 6 Commander Chris Archuleta and Post Commander Roger Anaya recognize Frost’s achievements Thursday at the VFW. Since Frost’s essay on civil disobedience and her family’s experiences with it won at the state competition, she will compete at the national level in Washington, DC. Frost is an eighth-grader at Los Alamos Middle School. Frost said, “Thank you for this amazing opportunity … I really hope to continue to do this in the future.” Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com