Odessa VFW announces youth scholarship winners

Odessa VFW Post #7395 and its ladies auxiliary are proud to announce the winners of their youth scholarship programs for 2013-2014.

The Junior Essay program is for third through fifth grades. First place for the third grade is Sarah Hayashi; second place is Isaiah Chavez; and third place is Harley Carson. The fourth grade winners are: first place, Nathan Carstensen, second place, Tianna Gies and third place, Paul Sheldon. The fifth grade winners are: first place, Madeline Scrupps, second place, David Hayashi, third place, Ryan Melgren.

Grades six though eight participate in the Patriots Pen Program. The winners are: first place, Elizabeth Hayashi, second place, Jakob Starkel, third place, Natasha Boss. No high school students entered the Voice of Democracy Program.

The District 13 winners are: third grade, first place, Sarah Hayashi from Post #7395, Odessa; fourth grade, first place, Nathan Carstensen from Post #7395, Odessa; fifth grade, first place, Nyleana Bailey sponsored by Post #11446, Ritzville; second place, Madeline Scrupps sponsored by Post #7395, Odessa; third place, Tony Martinez sponsored by Post 24, Quincy. District 13 Voice of Democracy winner is Kayla Grigg of Moses Lake sponsored by Post #24, Quincy.

State of Washington winners are; third grade, third place, Sarah Hayashi, Odessa; fifth grade, second place Nyleana Bailey, Ritzville.

This year we also had a teacher of the year nomination. This year's District 13 Teacher of the Year is Michael Cronrath from Harrington sponsored by Post #7395, Odessa.

The topic for next year's youth essay is: What can I do to make our country better? Local cash prizes range from $5 to $20. District prizes range from $24 to $100. State prizes range from $50 to $100.

The Patriot's Pen essay theme is: Why I appreciate America's Veterans. Local prize money ranges from $20 to $50. District prizes range from $25 to $50. State prize money ranges from $50 to $700. National prize money ranges from $500 to $7,000.

Voice of Democracy paper and tape program theme is: Why veterans are important to our nation's history and future. Local prize money ranges from $25 to $100. District prize money ranges from $25 to $100. State prize money ranges from $400 to $1,200. National prize money ranges from $1,000 to $30,000.

There are three categories for Teacher of the Year. We honor a teacher from grades K-5, 6-8 and grades 9-12. We are looking for teachers who promote patriotism and citizenship.

For further information, please call Bill or Leora Nixon at 982-2847.