VFW Names Scout of the Year Winners

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 2017 - 2018 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, William L.P. Johnson, was sponsored by VFW Post 12124 in Meridian, Miss. He was selected for his activism in scouting activities, dedication to community service and a strong work ethic. From time spent volunteering and tutoring, to creating “Little Free Libraries” throughout the community and building wheelchair ramps for those in need, William’s dedication and activism within the Boy Scouts organization truly set him apart from other applicants. As the first-place recipient, William will receive a $5,000 college scholarship.

Carsen R. Easley, sponsored by VFW Post 12022 in Marion, Ky., was selected as the second-place winner for his notable community service work and for his impressive work within the Boy Scouts. During his time as a Boy Scout, Carsen has spent hundreds of hours volunteering on projects ranging from flag retirement ceremonies to cemetery cleanup and restoration projects. Carsen will receive a $3,000 college scholarship.

Sponsored by VFW Post 1831 in De Soto, Mo., Justin C. Fitzpatrick was selected as the third-place winner for his reputation as a leader and giving back to the community through scouting. Projects like Justin’s “Stations of the Cross,” which offers members of his community a place to pause and reflect, clearly demonstrates his hard work and passion for helping others. Justin will receive a $1,000 college scholarship.

Read more about the VFW’s Scout of the Year program.