Toms River, NJ – Commander Thomas Kraszewski of Toms River VFW Post 10185 and Commander Barbara Hagemann of Toms River VFW Post 6063 recently recognized the outstanding achievements of two Toms River High School South seniors. Gianna Sanso and Angelina Devivi were awarded certificates and $300 cash prizes for their remarkable second and third-place finishes in the Voice of Democracy audio essay competition. The theme for this year’s essays was “Why is the Veteran Important?”
The Voice of Democracy audio essay program, established by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) in 1947, provides a platform for high school students to express their thoughts on democratic and patriotic themes through recorded essays. Each year, approximately 25,000 students in grades nine through 12 participate nationwide, vying for a chance to win over $1.3 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program.
Gianna Sanso’s impressive essay secured her the second-place award, while Angelina Devivi’s thought-provoking essay earned her the third-place recognition. Both students showcased their exceptional writing skills and delivered powerful messages about the importance of veterans in our society.
Commander Kraszewski and Commander Hagemann took the opportunity to personally honor Sanso and Devivi, presenting them with certificates of achievement and $300 cash prizes for their outstanding accomplishments. The Toms River VFW Posts commended the students for their dedication and thoughtful contributions to the Voice of Democracy program.
The recognition of these young scholars highlights the significance of encouraging civic engagement and fostering a deep appreciation for veterans and their invaluable contributions to our nation. The Toms River VFW Posts, along with the entire community, applauds Gianna Sanso and Angelina Devivi for their remarkable achievements and wishes them continued success in their future endeavors.
For more information about the Voice of Democracy audio essay program and the scholarship opportunities it offers, please visit the VFW’s official website.