VFW Honors 2 Students For Patriotic Essays

Two Huntington students were honored recently the Veterans of Foreign Wars for essay contest submissions regarding democratic ideas and principles.

At a ceremony Feb. 11 at Nathan Hale Post 1469, high school student Nicole Katz was honored for her Voice of Democracy essay which won first place at the Suffolk County level. Katz was awarded a $500 scholarship for her writing regarding the theme, "Is There Pride in Serving in Our Military?" 

More than 51,000 students in grades nine through 12 submitted VOD contest writings this year for a chance at some of the $2.2 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded annually through the VFW, according to the VFW. The national first-place winner receives a $30,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s selected American university or vocational school of choice. One first-place winner from each state wins an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. 

Also at the event Saturday, a Patriot Pen award and a $250 scholarship was presented to middle school student Olivia Cook, the daughter of Huntington Town Councilman Eugene Cook regarding the contest theme, "Are You Proud of Your Country?"

The Patriot Pen youth essay-writing contest reviews roughly 112,000 essays from students in grades 6-8, according to the VFW. The annual theme is chosen by the VFW commander-in-chief. 

Additionally, Carol Rocco was recognized at the VFW ceremony for her support of veterans as coordinator for the Huntington's Veteran's Advisory Board.