VFW 4099 Post Commander Bill Henderson, far left, and VFW Auxiliary President Tim Tharp, far right, stand with Sidney High School students Burton Pollari, inner left, and Lily Jones, inner right, who participated in the VFW Post and Auxiliary's Voice of Democracy audio-essay program. (Photo by Jaymi Mozeak)
VFW Auxiliary President Tim Tharp, far left, and VFW 4099 Post Commander Bill Henderson, far right, presented Kirsten Kraft with an award for participating in the Voice of Democracy program and Keira Kraft with an award for winning second place in Montana in the Patriot's Pen contest on Jan. 25 at Liberty Christian School, Sidney. (Photo by Violet Tharp)
VFW Auxiliary President Tim Tharp, far left and VFW 4099 Post Commander Bill Henderson, farm right, presented Taylor McPherson, center, Fairview High School, an award for participating in the Voice of Democracy audio-essay program on Wednesday, Jan. 25. (Photo by Violet Tharp)
On Wednesday, Jan. 25, representatives of the VFW Post 4099 and Auxiliary presented awards to area students for their submissions to the Voice of Democracy and Patriots Pen writing competitions.
"Established in 1947, our Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay. Each year, nearly 25,000 9-12 grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $2 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program." (www.vfw.org)
This year's theme is "Why is the Veteran Important" and the local winner was Sidney High School senior Burton Pollari. In addition, his winning essay placed third in the state of Montana. For his efforts, Burton is awarded $500 for the third-place finish plus $100 each from the local VFW Post and Auxiliary for a total award of $700.
Other local students receiving awards for participating in the Voice of Democracy were Lily Jones, Sidney High School, Taylor McPherson, Fairview High School and Kirsten Kraft, Liberty Christian School. Each of these students was presented with $50 each from the VFW Post and Auxiliary for a total award of $100 each.
For the younger students, the VFW has the Patriot's Pen essay contest. "Each year, nearly 68,800 students in grades 6-8 enter the VFW's Patriot's Pen youth essay contest for a chance to win their share of more than $1.4 million in state and national awards. Each first-place state winner receives a minimum of $500 at the national level, and the national first place winner wins $5,000!" (www.vfw.org)
This year's theme is "My Pledge to Our Veterans" and the local winner was Keira Kraft, Liberty Christian School. Her winning essay also placed second in the state of Montana. For her efforts, Keira is awarded $200 for the second place finish plus $100 each from the VFW Post and Auxiliary for a total award of $400.
Presenting these awards were VFW 4099 Post Commander Bill Henderson and VFW Auxiliary President Tim Tharp.
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