On Thursday, December 8, local representatives from the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Post 8973 were on hand to present Cadet Eric Gegenheimer ‘20 with their selection in the Voice of Democracy contest. Post Commander Doug Thomas, along with VFW members Landon Allen and Kirk Williamson, spoke about the need for high school students representation in democracy and praised his speech as inspirational. They presented him with a certificate and small scholarship as the local post winner. Last year, Cadet Jacob Detiege ‘17 was presented with this award and now Cadet Gegenheimer will continue in the tradition of going forward on a national level. This year’s theme was “My Responsibility to America” and Eric’s speech about his lessons from his grandfather’s selfless service in WWII were praised by the local members. His essay will go on to the state round and hopefully the regional and final national round.
Voice of Democracy is an audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay.
Click here to read Eric’s speech
