The Big Sandy Mountaineer -

Andrea Rutledge, a junior at Big Sandy High School, competed in the Voice of Democracy audio-essay competition. She entered her audio-essay in the VFW Buster Deo Post 4067 of Malta. She won the Malta local competition. Her audio-essay then went to the District level and was again chosen as the top essay which qualified her to compete at the state contest. She did not win the top spot but enjoyed the process! On February 11th, Andrea was presented with certificates and checks in a ceremony at the Malta VFW for each level. During Malta's Veteran's Day dinner, her audio-essay was played for all to enjoy. Her late grandfather is John Korsbeck who was a green beret and helicopter pilot serving two tours in Viet Nam. Her late grandmother, Judy Korsbeck was past president and treasurer of the Malta VFW.

Established in 1947, our Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay. 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 national first-place winner receives a $30,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient's American university, college or vocational/technical school. A complete list of other national scholarships range from $1,000-$16,000, and the first-place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins a minimum scholarship of $1,000 and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C.