News : VFW and Auxiliary Department of Iowa essay winners

Our VFW and Auxiliary District 2 had several winners last weekend at our Midwinter conference in Des Moines, Iowa. We had a student from Independence, Iowa Post 2440 who wrote his Voice of Democracy essay. He finished as runner up at state competition. Matthew Loomis entered his essay on "IS AMERICA TODAY OUR FOREFATHERS' VISION?" These students can enter this contest if they are in 9-12th grade. They can be from public, private, homeschooled. They do a 3-5 minute audio essay on flash drive and also have to send a written copy along with their entry form. Local Post judge essays, then it goes onto District competition, top winners from each District advances to state competition. Top student gets to go onto National competition and a free trip to Washington DCfor a chance to win a $35,000 scholarship. All state winners receive a scholarship of some amount and a trip of a lifetime. Iowa District 2 are proud of Matthew. He can enter again this next year since he is only a sophomore. Other winners at VFW and Auxiliary Midwinter Conference was our District 2 teachers of the year.Our Department of Iowa gives out Elementary, High School and Middle School Teachers of the Year. Elementary Teacher was Derek Schipper from Maquoketa (Post 3633). He was nominated by Post 3633 and won this award. He is a physical education teacher of Cardinal Elementary School in Maquoketa. Another Teacher of the Year for our District 2 VFW and Auxiliaries was High School Teacher Mike Carnahan, band director of South Tama High School. He is known for his dedication to music education, fostering patriotism and inspiring students to serve their community. His impact extends far beyond the classroom. These teachers will now compete with educators from all 50 states for The Smart/ Mahar VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher of the year award, to be announced in March 2025. We are proud of both these educators on what they do for their communities and local schools. Congratulations to both teachers-we are proud that you are both in District 2 VFW competition. Good Luck on your next Level of competition.