KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. is proud to announce the selection of the top three winners of its 2016-2017 Scout of the Year scholarship competition.
Enacted in 2001, the Scout of the Year competition was designed to reward eligible members of the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Venturing Crew or Sea Scouts who have risen above their peers in exemplifying standout citizenship, patriotism and love of country with college scholarships of up to $5,000.
This year’s first-place winner Olivia Zietz, sponsored by VFW Post 8422 in Smyrna, Tenn., was selected for her dedication to community service work and activism within the Girl Scouts organization. Through her Gold Award project “Heads Up Hydrocephalus,” she has spoken at health fairs, university nursing classes and works with local veterans to increase awareness of hydrocephalus which often plagues veterans. As the first-place recipient, Olivia will receive a $5,000 college scholarship.
Katie Bruton, sponsored by VFW Post 2661 in Washington, Mo., was selected as the second-place winner for her notable community service work, passion for outdoor adventure and for her work within the Sea Scouts. Her love of giving back was clearly demonstrated through not only her time collecting care packages for soldiers, but also through her time spent volunteering for Memorial Day and Veterans Day projects, and organizing local clothing and food drives. Katie will receive a $3,000 college scholarship.
Sponsored by VFW Post 7239 in Acushnet, Mass., Anthony Perry was selected as the third-place winner for his reputation as a leader and his giving back to the community through scouting. During his time as a Boy Scout, Anthony has focused on providing peer support, being a strong leader and participating in several flag retirement ceremonies. Anthony will receive a $1,000 college scholarship.
Read more about the VFW’s Scout of the Year program.