BELLE — Several students and teachers from the Maries County R-2 School District were honored Veterans Day through local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) programs celebrating patriotism, citizenship and artistic achievement.

Belle High School teacher Alesha Shockley, Bland Middle School teacher Kaci Jones, and Belle Elementary School teacher Casey Stockton each received the VFW Smart/Maher National Citizenship Education Teacher Award. Each honoree received a certificate and $100 prize for their commitment to civic education in the classroom.

At Belle High School, students competed in the VFW Voice of Democracy Audio Essay contest. Connor LeRoux earned first place, receiving a certificate, $200 prize, and a gold medal. Allania Moore placed second, receiving $150 and a silver medal, while Zoe Camden placed third with a $75 prize and bronze medal.

Bland Middle School students participated in the VFW Patriot’s Pen Student Essay competition. Emilyn Lewis received first place honors, a gold medal, and a $150 award. Tharon Kent placed second with a silver medal and $100 prize, and Gabriella Edwards placed third, earning $50 and a bronze medal.

The Maries County R-2 Parent-Teacher Organization also sponsored an “America the Beautiful” poster art contest for Belle Elementary third and fourth graders. Winners in the third-grade category were Kate Mertz, first place; Deagan Dingley, second; and Kenzee Ray, third. Fourth-grade winners were Reese Krause, first place; Cav Zumwalt, second; and Alice Mauser, third. All winners received certificates and American flags.