Edmonds VFW Post 8870 announces Freedom Scholarship winners

Edmonds-based VFW Post 8870 has announced the four winners of its Freedom Scholarship program — two from Edmonds-Woodway High School and two from Mariner High School. The scholarships this year were named to honor the memory of Dexter Miller, a veteran of WW II and long-time member of the post, who had been instrumental in establishing several post-sponsored youth programs.

The Dexter Miller Freedom Scholarship was established to identify and reward deserving graduating seniors who have achieved an outstanding record of academic achievement, leadership and community service, and understand and value the freedom and rights guaranteed to us all by our Constitution. The scholarships, each in the amount of $1,000, were awarded to two students living in the Edmonds School District and two from the Mukilteo School District. In addition to their transcript and a resume, students were asked to write a 500-750 word essay in which they explained the meaning of freedom to them and how our Constitution establishes and maintains a culture of freedom in our country.

Representing the Edmonds School District were Anna Matteucci and Tom Maxson, both of whom attended Edmonds-Woodway High School. During her four years at Edmonds-Woodway, Matteucci maintained an excellent academic record and established an impressive record of involvement in school activities and community service. She held leadership positions in the Girls Scouts of Western Washington and volunteered countless hours in support of several community service projects. Anna was a member of her church’s teen group, National Honor Society, Book Club, and Debate Club. She will attend the University of Idaho in the fall.

Maxson has also been active in scouting, having achieved the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. He has also volunteered his time for the Coast Guard-sponsored charity Holiday Stockings for Homeless Children and worked to support an animal rescue program called Purrfect Pals. He was a member of the National Honor Society, Multi-Media Club and Hip Hop Club, and served as a volunteer tutor. He will attend the University of Washington in the fall.

The Mukilteo School District recipients are Jessica Pal and Rafael Achacoso of Mariner High School. R

In addition to being honored at their school’s academic recognition programs, the four scholarship winners will be publicly recognized at Post 8870’s July meeting and will be reading their Dexter Miller Freedom Scholarship essays to post members.

— Submitted by Fred Apgar

 

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