Local VFW Post 660 recently announced the scholarship
winners of their Voice of Democracy and Patriots Pen competitions along with
the Post’s Teacher of the Year.
New Hampstead High 9th Grader Shahiem Newton was
selected as the 2nd place winner in the Voice of Democracy
Competition. The competition is open to students in grades 9-12. Students compete by writing and recording an
audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. The entries are judged on originality,
content, and delivery. Each year, nearly
57,000 high school students throughout the nation compete for more than $2
million in scholarships and incentives. This year’s theme was, "Is This the
Country the Founders Envisioned?"
In the Post’s Patriots Pen competition, Rice Creek School 6th
grader Maleik Clausell was the 1st place winner. This youth essay
competition gives students an opportunity to write essays expressing their
views on an annual patriotic theme. More
than 138,000 students nationally participated in this competition last year. Essays
are judged on Knowledge of the Theme, Theme Development and Clarity of
Ideas. As a local Post winner, Malei
will now advance to District competition for the opportunity to move on to
State Competition.
Each year, the Veterans of Foreign Wars selects elementary,
middle and high school teachers to participate in the Smart/Maher VFW National
Citizenship Education Teacher program.
Eligible teachers are those who are certified /licensed in grades K-12. Prime candidates are those who promote civic
responsibility, flag etiquette and patriotism.
This year’s VFW Post 660 1st place Teacher of the Year winner is
Margaret Sheehan of Savannah Arts Academy.
Congratulations to all our winners!
