Voice of Democracy scholarship winners are honored

FALLBROOK – Fallbrook Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1924 and Auxiliary hosted an awards ceremony Nov. 19, honoring the student winners of the annual Voice of Democracy scholarship essay program. Family members, teachers and guests listened and watched as students read their essays.

The Voice of Democracy essay contest is open to students in grades nine through 12. The theme for this year was "Why My Vote Matters."

The first-place winner and recipient of a $250 scholarship was Audrey C. Gillcrist, whose essay will be entered in the California competition. California's first-place winner, along with a parent or guardian, will receive an expense paid trip to Washington with the chance of receiving the top scholarship award of $30,000.

The Voice of Democracy second-place winner and recipient of a $150 scholarship was Angelina M. Lauser. The third-place winner and recipient of a $100 scholarship was Robert K. Prefontaine.

Patriot's Pen is open to middle school students in grades six through eight. The theme this year was "Why I Honor the American Flag." Fallbrook VFW Post 1924 received no Patriot Pen essay submissions. Next year the Post hopes to receive junior high school student essays. Scholarship award prizes range from $100 to $300 for the local winners, and the first-place student, along with parent or guardian, for all of California earns an expense paid trip to Washington and the chance to win $5,000 in scholarship money.

In attendance for the Voice of Democracy essay readings were students, family members, friends and comrades of the VFW. Members of the Auxiliary volunteered in support and coordination for the event.

For more information about the Voice of Democracy scholarship essay program and next year's theme, contact [email protected] or contact Shara French, Voice of Democracy chair, at [email protected].

Submitted by Fallbrook Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1924 and Auxiliary.