Voice of Democracy

by Derek Farr

More than 40 veterans, elected officials and dignitaries gathered at the VFW Post 4801 in Pinedale Friday to celebrate Anna Shafer’s Voice of Democracy essay. Shafer’s essay won first place in Wyoming qualifying her for the national competition in Washington, D.C., where she took fourth place in a group of 54. More than 65,000 students submitted essays for the contest. Shafer’s essay, titled ‘The Gift of a Lifetime,’ explains how veterans’ service and sacrifice has provided young people with better job opportunities, better technology, better medicine and an endearing pride for the nation. Shafer, a home-schooled Big Piney resident, was awarded scholarship money, two checks – one for $7,000 – and a National merit award. Shafer’s mother also received an award, as did Post 4801. See page 8 for more information on Shafer.

Photo credits:  Derek Farr