Every year, R.W. Fritzinger VFW Post 7215 Auxiliary in Walnutport sponsors the Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest. And on Saturday, the post hosted its Sixteenth Annual Patriot’s Pen and Voice of Democracy Program. Seven local participants from three different schools - Northampton Area Middle School, Northern Lehigh Middle School and Northampton Area Senior High School - were honored. Pirctured, front row, from left, are Zakayla Penich, 12, Abagail Loch, 12, Nola Bauer, 13, Angela Weimer, 12, and Nichella Allen, 14. Back row, from left, Byron Miller, post commander, Karen Bandzi, auxiliary president, Rachele Battone, 13, Mick Minnich, senior vice president, Alanna Hartzell, 16, and Sue Bortz, auxiliary chaplain. DANIELLE DERRICKSON/TIMES NEWS