GARDINER — The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9 presented awards to the Voice of Democracy winners on Jan. 26 at Gardiner Area High School.

This year’s topic was “American History: Our Hope for the Future.” Kyle Woods placed first in this audio/essay program. Brianna Gamage placed second.

Woods also was selected as the District 8 (Kennebec County) winner and placed eighth of 16 in the state finals.