Kuemper Catholic High School (KHS) sophomore Emmett Juergens will hop on a plane for the nation’s capital this weekend for his chance at a $35,000 scholarship from the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) “Voice of Democracy” essay contest. Juergens won the statewide contest in January, which had a theme of “Is America Today Our Forefathers’ Vision,” after advancing through the local and district stages. He says the essay began as a routine class assignment.
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Juergens’ essay takes an interesting look at this year’s theme. Juergens says America is not what the founders intended; it is much more.
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Juergens has already secured more than $2,500 in scholarships from his essay entry, but the winner of the VFW’s national contest receives a $35,000 scholarship to the institution of his or her choosing. Juergens says winning would be incredible, but just getting a chance to go is an opportunity of a lifetime.
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The VFW Washington Conference begins Sunday, March 2, and runs through Thursday, March 6. Juergens will participate in the Voice of Democracy: Parade of Winners program with all of the conference’s attendees on Monday evening. Emmett Juergens is the son of Pete and Shelli Juergens of Carroll. A copy of Juergens’ entry is included below.
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