The VFW’s Voice of Democracy audio-essay program, established in 1947, provides high school students around the country with a patriotic-themed prompt in which the students record their essay answer. Each year, nearly 40,000 9-12 grade students from across the country enter to win their share of $2.1 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program. The 2021-2022 theme was: “America: Where do we go from here?”
Meeker’s VFW Post 5843 is proud to announce that Gabriel Richardson, son of Jared and Nancy Richardson, won both their post competition and was also chosen by District 9’s post to compete at the state level. District 9 includes the towns of Meeker, Steamboat, Craig, Rangely and Kremmling. The top five winners in the state were invited to Denver to be honored by the VFW and to receive their placing at a banquet on Jan. 22. Gabriel and his family were invited to Denver where Gabriel received fifth place, and was awarded a $250 scholarship from state VFW. He also received a $200 scholarship from District 9 and will also receive an award from our local VFW Post 5843.
Gabriel is a senior at Meeker High School and is planning on attending Colorado Mesa University to obtain his Bachelor of Fine Arts in art education.
