On Jan. 18 at a special awards ceremony of the John Lyon - VFW Post 3150 in Arlington, several students and one teacher from Bishop O’Connell High School were recognized for their accomplishments.
Earlier in the school year, the students submitted three to five minute recorded essays to the post’s Voice of Democracy contest on the theme: “Why am I optimistic about America’s future?”
O’Connell sophomore Virginia Schilder was awarded first place and $300; junior Ryan Robles won second place and $150; and senior John Durel was awarded third place and $75.
At the same awards ceremony, Michael Bernhard (pictured right), math department chair at Bishop O'Connell, received the local and district-level VFW High School Teacher of the Year Award for his outstanding dedication to promoting patriotism and good citizenship. Bernhard is a retired U.S. naval officer.
O’Connell English teacher Mary Lou Wentzel, who coordinates student participation in community speech and essay contests, was proud to see such a successful showing by O'Connell students. “It delights me to see the hard work of these students recognized in this kind of way,” she said. "Congratulations to these students, and to Mr. Bernhard.”
Top photo (left to right): Post 3150 Commander Michael McCartney, Women's Auxiliary President Karen Stewart, John Durel, Virginia Schilder, Ryan Robles, Bill Kelly, Voice of Democracy coordinator.