Local Students Recognized in Patriot’s Pen & Voice of Democracy Competition
Commander Blossey Congratulates Student Winners
At the December 8, 2015 meeting we recognized area students who participated in the AnnualVFW Essay contest. The Post’s student essay competition is coordinated by Fred Apgar.
The theme for this year’s Youth Essay contest was “Why Is America My Favorite Country?” The winning essay for 5th grade was submitted by Chloe Lee of Mukilteo Elementary. Runners Up were Mohuwa Wahid, Ellie Choi, and Sabrina Windland, also from Mukilteo Elementary. Benjamin Hoang, of Terrace Park Elementary was also a runner-up. Chloe was presented with a $100 scholarship from the Post, and each Runner Up received a $25 scholarship.
Voice of Democracy Winner
For the second consecutive year, Olivia Olsen garnered first place honors and a $100 scholarship in the Voice of Democracy contest. This essay contest is open to high school students in grades 9-12. While the Youth Essay and Patriot’s Pen competition requires a written essay, the Voice of Democracy competition requires the submission of an audio essay. This year’s topic was, “My Vision for America”. Olivia is a 10th grade student at Edmonds-Woodway High School. Accompanying the Mukilteo Elementary School students were their teachers, Ms. Aina Green and Ms. Sue Idso. Supporting the students from Terrace Park School was their teacher, Ms. Lori Kutrich.
Prior to the presentation of awards and the reading of the winning entries, Olivia Olson led the Post members and guests in the Pledge of Allegiance. The winning entries have been forwarded to Washington State VFW for consideration at the district and state levels.