Barb Klampe, center, introduces the winners of the Voice of Democracy essay contest. From left: Ashton Jenzen, Klampe, Will King, and Stormie Schmidt.
Waseca students pen winning essays
What Veterans day means to... Jenzen, Schmidt, and King
What Veterans day means to... Jenzen, Schmidt, and King
Sat, 12/31/2022 - 3:25pm
Barb Klampe from the Waseca VFW Post 1642 and Auxiliary announced Waseca’s winners of the 2022 Voice of Democracy Awards. This year, Waseca high school had three students who entered, and three students who won. Senior Stormie Schmidt took first place, earning herself a $200 scholarship and her essay was entered at the District 1 competition.
Senior Will King took second and earned a $150 scholarship. Sophomore Ashton Jenzen took third, and brought home a $100 scholarship.
Since 1947 the VOD has been the premier scholarship program for the VFW. Each year about 80,000 students compete for $2 million in scholarships and prizes. Students were asked to write and record a 3-5 minute essay on the theme: Why is the Veteran important?”
Judging is based on originality, content, and delivery.
Klampe, after giving her annoucement, she she was grateful she was the person having to decide between the winners. Only one and two point separated the contestants.
Two of the three speeches can be found on this page of this week’s Pioneer. Next week, the winner’s speech from Schmidt will be printed.