Ludlow High School Principal, Lisa Nemeth, is proud to announce that LHS senior, Sara Maria, has been selected as the 1st place finalist in the local VFW Voice of Democracy Essay Competition sponsored by the Sgt. Joshua D. Desforges VFW Post 3236 (Ludlow).
The Voice of Democracy audio-essay contest has been the VFW’s premier scholarship program since 1947. High school students, grades 9-12 compete by writing an essay and then recording an audio version for submission for consideration. The essay expresses their views based on an annual patriotic theme chosen by the National VFW Commander-in-Chief.
This year’s theme is: “What Makes America Great?”
The top five essays were recognized during the annual Veterans Day Celebration held in the auditorium at Ludlow High School on November 11th. Each student was given a Voice of Democracy certificate and a monetary award from the local VFW Post 3236 (see student list below).
Ludlow’s Director of Veterans Affairs, Eric Segundo, explained, “Each year, nearly 40,000 high school students from across the country enter to win a share of the $2.2 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the VFW’s Voice of Democracy audio-essay competition. To learn more about this program click here.
Martin Fanning, LHS Social Studies teacher and Voice of Democracy Coordinator, explains that participating LHS students must compose an essay explaining the identified patriotic theme announced by the VFW. The submission must also include a 3-5 minute recording of the essay; Michael Hill, from the LCTV assists students with this requirement.
Maria was in disbelief when realizing her essay was chosen for the first place honor, sharing, “It was such a great experience to be up there sharing my story. As much as I loved coming in first place in the competition, the moment that resonated with me most was after the ceremony; people came up congratulating me, and some even with tears in their eyes. My speech touched their hearts, for they also come from immigrant families who came to this great country to make a living.”
“I'm ever so grateful for the opportunity to tell not just my family's story, but the story of many others who came to the United States, from around the globe,” said a proud Maria.
Read Maria’s full essay in its entirety by clicking here.
Fanning described Maria as very hardworking, focused and not afraid of trying new things, which he attributes to her successes.
“Listening to her speech at the Veterans' Day ceremony you saw and heard that she is very poised and capable,” said Fanning. “I could hear in her voice her confidence grow with each sentence. It was so well done, that the crowd was silent. I was even tearing up on stage because it resonated from the heart. That is Sara!”
Maria is involved in many school activities including- Varsity ski team, girls Varsity and JV volleyball team manager, 2018-19 class president, Ludlow Public School Committee student intern, a member of the drama club, portuguese club, leading lions, art club, and student athlete leadership team. She also represented LHS at the New England Student Leadership Conference and Massachusetts Girls State.
In addition, Maria’s involvement with community activities include volunteering at events for Ludlow CARES Coalition, Ludlow senior center and Ludlow Public Schools.
Maria states she plans on attending a four year college when she graduates this coming May, but has not yet decided on her major; sharing she is considering either business management and marketing or media influence and psychology.
Segundo explained that Maria’s 1st place finish will advance her to compete in the District 7 competition against other students from Hampden county schools. The 1st place winner from this competition will then move forward to the Massachusetts state competition.
CONGRATULATIONS!
1. Sara Maria - 12th grade
2. Grace McCarthy - 12th grade
3. Peter Mentekidis - 12th grade
4. Sedona Wiker - 12th grade
5. Maegan Santos - 12th grade
We welcome you to view the video below highlighting the event and Maria reading her speech. Thank you to Tina Gilbert, BMS English teacher, for providing the video and to Mike Hill at LCTV for producing the video,
The Ludlow Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age or disability in admission to, access to, employment in or treatment in its programs and activities.
