VFW Voice of Democracy Audio Speech District winners announced.

January 21, 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Jasmine Lardizabal, a Senior at Highland Park High School earned first place for the Veterans of Foreign Wars "Voice of Democracy" audio speech scholarship program. The theme for the 2016-2017 competition was, "My Responsibility to America". Each entrant writes and records a three to five-minute speech. Her speech gained first place at the Highland Park VFW Post 4737 and her entry was forwarded on to Illinois 5th District VFW.

The first thru third place winners, and parents of the Post level judging attended a banquet Saturday, January 14th at the Sequoit VFW Post 4551 at 75 E North Avenue, Antioch. Following dinner, the District level winners are announced and Jasmine was awarded first place.

Her speech, struck a chord when she wrote, "America was not built in a day, and by being aware and cherishing the past, we can take pride in the building blocks of our Nation."

In her speech, Ms Lardizabal said, "My generation has been given the chance to achieve the impossible because people like my grandfather and father have dedicated their lives to military service. I for one plan to join the Air Force and become a physical therapist for wounded warriors. In this way, I can give back to the military community that has provided me safety and protected my rights to speak freely and be treated equally."

Each year, over 40,000 students compete for the $2 million plus in college scholarships and incentives offered through the VFW Voice of Democracy program. Jasmine and her family also receive an all-expense paid trip to Springfield, Illinois on February 10-12. Students representing the 17 VFW Districts in the State of Illinois will be treated to a pizza party on Friday night, followed by a tour of Springfield on Saturday that ends at the President Abraham Lincoln tomb with a ceremony conducted by the VFW. Following the banquet Saturday evening, the winning entries for the Department level will be announced State winners will receive an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. to enjoy the nation's capital and compete for $152,000 in scholarship funds. The first-place winner receives a $30,000.00 and each state winner is guaranteed a $1,000.00 scholarship.

The second and third place winners from the 5th District VFW were Kendall A Gehring, Junior from Grayslake Central High School, sponsored by the Ron Hill Memorial VFW Post 2245 and the third place winner was Marjean A Cone, Senior at McHenry West High School sponsored by the VFW Fox River Post 4600.

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