VFW Post 1956 honors local essay award winners

Local high school students were honored in the VFW Post 1956 "Voice of Democracy" awards program. From left: Sofia Chapman, Lily Garcia, Ricardo Herzon-Balderas (third place), Zachariah Prins (second place), Lucas Oyos-Hayes (first place).

Local high school students were recognized by VFW Post 1956 of Menifee recently for their accomplishments in the VFW Voice of Democracy program.

The Voice of Democracy is the VFW’s premier scholarship program. Established in 1947, the Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students with an opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay.

Each year, nearly 40,000 high school students compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. The Voice of Democracy is open to students in grades 9-12. The national first-place winner receives a $30,000 scholarship. Other national scholarships range from $1,000-$16,000.

The top three award winners in this year’s contest were Lucas Oyos-Hayes of Great Oak High School, Zachariah Prins of Paloma Valley High School and Ricardo Herzon-Balderas of Paloma Valley High School. They received certificates and medals for their achievements. In all, five students read their essays during the Feb. 10 VFW meeting.

Five students from Santa Rosa Academy also submitted entries. They were Krystal Jolie Karman, Nadia Scorza, Jackalyn E. Ballard, Lily Melina Garcia and Claire Worthington.

In addition, Sheriff’s Deputy Brandon Frank was presented a certificate as Law Enforcement Member of the Year. Local leaders were present, including Menifee Mayor Neil Winter.

Post Commander Michael Cano presented Senior Vice Commander and post membership chair Thomas Espinosa with the VFW Commander in Chief Streamer Award, which signifies the post’s 100 percent member status. Also, two cadets from the Paloma Valley High School NJROTC unit came to speak to the post membership about the importance and gratitude of all the cadets for the unwavering support from VFW Post 1956.

Cano also presented outgoing post quartermaster James Wallace a certificate of appreciation for his years of service to the post.

From left: Senior Vice Commander Thomas Espinosa; outgoing quartermaster James Wallace; Post Commander Michael Cano.

Sheriff’s Deputy Michael Frank, Law Enforcement Member of the Year, poses with Post Commander Michael Cano and Menifee Mayor Neil Winter.