The Veterans of Foreign Wars Jerry V. Horn Memorial Post #10046 and its Ladies Auxiliary are pleased to announce the local winners of this year’s national Voice of Democracy Program. Students in grades 9-12 had the opportunity to compete in this annual scholarship program to earn monetary awards and a trip to Washington, D.C. There were only seven entries this year from 2 local high schools and 3 homeschooled students.

Congratulations to Benjamin J. Standefer, a 12th grade student at Cook Inlet Academy, the 1st place winner. He will be awarded $1000 from the VFW Post, and his entry has been forwarded to state competition which will be held in Anchorage in December. The 2nd place winner, Ellery Steffensen, a 12th grade student in the Connections Program, will receive $500.

Additional monetary awards will be made at state level with the 1st place winner also being given a 5-day all expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C. in March 2015.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Jerry V. Horn Memorial Post $10046 and its Ladies Auxiliary is pleased to announce the local winners in this year’s national Patriot’s Pen essay competition. Students in 6-8 including homeschooled students had the opportunity to compete in the VFW’s annual essay competition to earn monetary awards and a trip to Washington, D.C. in March 2015. The theme this year was “Why I Appreciate America’s Veterans.”

Congratulations to Hope Coffman, a 7th grade student at Aurora Borealis Charter School, the 1st place winner. She will receive $500 for her winning essay. Dominic Efta, an 8th grade student at Aurora Borealis Charter School, was the 2nd place winner and will receive $250. The 1st place winner’s entry has been forwarded to the state competition in Wasilla to be held in December.

The 1st place state winner will receive an additional award and her/his essay will be forwarded to Washington D.C. for national competition. Forty-six students will receive additional awards there, and the 1st place national winner will receive a $10,000 U.S. Savings Bond plus a trip to Washington, D.C with a parent/guardian in March 2015.

Has a new addition to your family just arrived? Where in the world is your military person and what are they up to? Got a new graduate, dean’s list student or an award-receiving youth?

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