VFW announces annual youth scholarship program winners

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6441 announced the local winners of the annual Voice of Democracy scholarship program, Thursday, January 4, at the monthly post meeting. This year’s theme for the audio essay was “What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?”

The winning essayist was 12th-grader Joseph “Wolf” Hill, who received a $2,000 scholarship, and will go on to compete at higher VFW levels, that ultimately culminate with a national level award of a $35,000 scholarship.

Second place and a $1,500 scholarship went to 12th-grader Ellen Malone, while third place and a $1,000 scholarship was awarded to 11th-grader Chloe Swindle. Both Ms. Malone, and Ms. Swindle are previous scholarship winners.

Earlier, on December 5th at Danforth Jr. High School, awards were presented for the Patriot Pen written essay contest. The theme for this essay was “How Are You Inspired by America?”

The winning essayist for this contest was from 7th-grader Ella Brassow, who received a $200 award. Second place and $150 went to 8th-grader Tenley Rosborough, and third place with a $100 award was given to 6th-grader Luke Howe. Their essays will be forwarded to higher VFW levels to compete for a national award of $5,000. Fourth through Tenth place essayists received $50.

VFW Post 6441 commended the scholars for their patriotism and outstanding oration and writing skills. De-tails on both scholarship programs and information on next year’s themes can be found at vfw. org/community/ youth-and-education/ youth-scholarships.