The Cottonwood, Idaho Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 4902 hosted their annual education awards with a luncheon at the Keuterville Pub & Grub.  The event was opened by VFW Post Commander Dave Frei expressing his gratitude for the students and teachers participating in this prestigious competition.  Frei would later go on to thank the faculty of both the Prairie and St. John Boscoe schools for allowing the VFW awards to be part of their programs.  Prairie Superintendent Jon Rehder was present and thanked the VFW members for their service in the military and their continued service in our community.   The dinner prayer was given by Post Chaplain Jimmy Steinke, followed by a wonderful chicken fried steak meal.  The VFW thanks Keuterville Pub & Grub owner Brandy Ross and server Alex McElroy for a great venue!
Commander Frei led off the awards by presenting this year’s VFW Teacher of the Year award to Prairie K-5, and Special Ed teacher, Vikki Riener. She received a VFW award plaque and a VFW Triple Crown military challenge coin.
Commander Frei presented the Awards for Patriot’s Pen, a 300–400-word essay written by 6-8 grade students.  This year’s theme is, “How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?”
3^rd Place Cassidy Bock – St. John Bosco – She received $150, a VFW Award Certificate, and a VFW Triple Crown military challenge coin
2^nd Place Lillia Kaschmitter – Prairie - She received $200, a VFW Award Certificate, and a VFW Triple Crown military challenge coin
1^st Place Landon Jones – Prairie – He received $300, a VFW Award Plaque, and a VFW Triple Crown military challenge coin
Landon read his winning essay to the audience and received a big round of applause!
Joe Riener gave a brief description of the Voice of Democracy program. Established in 1947, our Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regard to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay.  Each year, more than 26,000 ninth through 12th grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $2 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program. The national first place winner receives a $35,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college, or vocational/technical school. Every state’s winner will receive at least $1,000 and an all-expense paid trip to Valley Forge’s Freedom Foundation seminar and interactive symposium.  The state prizes range from $1,000-$21,000, with the top prize of $35,000.
Commander Frei presented the Awards for the Voice of Democracy, a 3–5-minute speech given by 9-12 grade students.  The theme was the same for both awards, “How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?” 
3^rd place – Catherine Seubert - St. John Bosco – She received $200, a VFW Award Certificate, and a VFW Triple Crown military challenge coin.
2^nd Place – Anna Mae Cummings - St. John Bosco – She received $300, a VFW Award Certificate, and a VFW Triple Crown military challenge coin.
1^st Place – Thomas Rose - St. John Bosco – He received $400, a VFW Award Plaque, and a VFW Triple Crown military challenge coin
Thomas gave his winning speech to the audience, highlighting his dedication to patriotism and expressing his plan to join the US Air Force next year!
Teacher Vikki Riener, Patriot’s Pen winner Landon Jones, and Voice of Democracy winner Thomas Rose will compete for District 2 honors against applicants from Latah, Nez Perce, Clearwater, Lewis, and Idaho Counties.  Congratulations and best of luck at District!