For her submission to the VFW Voices of Democracy essay contest, High School West junior Oliva Wolber won first place and was honored this week by Smithtown VFW Post 10870.
Olivia had to write and record a 3-5 minute broadcast script on a patriotic theme, competing for more than $2.3 million in college scholarships and incentives.
This year's theme was "Why is the Veteran Important."
One excerpt of Olivia's essay reads "They are examples for all to look up to thank and follow.
They are educators of love and tolerance. They are reminders to the youth and to the naive why we
should rise for our pledge to the flag of a country we get to call our own. They remind us why we
put our right hand over our beating hearts during our national anthem. Because it is them who
had the whites of their eyes go red from crying their tears of blue in heartbreak watching
brothers and sisters fall around them."
Olivia’s essay will now advance in National competition to VFW County, District, NYS and National level judging.
Well done, Olivia!
