Peyton Chaisson was a guest of honor at the annual State VFW Banquet Jan. 21 at the Augusta Civic Center. From left are Lucy Salisbury, auxiliary senior vice president; Daniel Kell, VFW National Surgeon General; Peyton Chaisson, District #5 winner; and Jennifer L. Lane, VFW Department State of Maine commander. Rebecca Chaisson photo

Peyton Chaisson, a grade 11 student at Forest Hills High School in Jackman, was a guest of honor at the annual State VFW Banquet held Jan. 21 at the Augusta Civic Center. She was recognized at their ceremony for being the District #5 winner of their yearly Voice of Democracy national speech contest. She received an award and monetary prize from members of the Maine and National Veterans of Foreign Wars during the event, according to a news release from Principal Ami Amero.

Students in grades 9-12 were invited to participate in a national speech contest this past fall on the theme “Why Is The Veteran Important?”

In December, Chaisson was announced as the local 1st place winner from the William B. Doughty VFW Auxiliary #5723 of Jackman. Her winning submission was then sent on to be judged at the district level where she was selected as the District #5 winner as well. District #5 includes Dexter, Jackman, Fairfield, Farmington, Madison, and Newport.

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