VFW Post #8870 recently announced the four winners of its newly established Freedom Scholarship. In addition to their transcript and a resume, students were asked to write a 500-750 word essay in which they explained the meaning of freedom to them and how our Constitution establishes and maintains a culture of freedom in our country.
Representing the Edmonds School District are Katarina Nguyen and Robert Willcock, both of whom attended Edmonds-Woodway High School. During her four years of high school, Katarina maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA and established an impressive record of involvement in school activities, community service, and varsity sports. She has held leadership positions in more than ten school organizations, and has devoted countless hours of her time to volunteer for a variety of school and community organizations. Katarina is also a past winner of Post #8870’s Voice of Democracy audio essay contest.
Robert has received numerous awards for his participation in varsity football and wrestling. He is a member of the National Honor Society and has volunteered his time to tutor fellow students and provide services to a variety of Edmonds youth organizations. Robert plans to pursue a degree in engineering.
Two students, Jay Bennett and Madison Azim, attended high school in the Mukilteo School District. Jay maintained a near perfect GPA while participating in varsity sports and playing in the school orchestra at Kamiak High School. He is president of the Academic Coaches organization and has devoted countless hours as a volunteer peer tutor. Jay will attend the University of Washington next year to pursue a degree in chemical engineering.
Madison will be graduating from Mariner High School where she achieved an impressive record of accomplishments and service to her school. In addition to being a varsity cheerleader, Madison participated in the jazz and wind ensembles and was a member of the drama club. She has been awarded the “Nestle’s Very Best in Youth” award in recognition of outstanding leadership and community service.
The four scholarship winners will be publicly recognized at the Post’s July meeting and will be reading their Freedom Scholarship essays to our members.