Andrew Kula wins VFW state essay competition

Mark Kula

Andrew Kula wins VFW state essay competition

Destina Sarussi, Copy Editor

Senior Andrew Kula continues his monumental victory streak after recently winning the VFW State “Voice of Democracy” Essay Competition held in Springfield earlier this month. Kula beat 16 other competitors from around the country with his remarkable essay, securing a $2500 grand prize scholarship and a trip to Washington D.C for the national competition. 

“It was an amazing experience,” Kula said. “The whole day, we went around Springfield to the Lincoln Museum, the Veterans Museum, Lincoln’s Tomb, the Veteran Memorial…it was very cool getting to spend time with the other competitors and get to see a lot of these veterans.”

Out of the 17 total competitors, the VFW awarded scholarships to the top 13 and recognized the remaining four as runners-up; nonetheless, everyone received some sort of monetary prize.

“With it being that I got first place, I had to give my speech in front of everyone there so it was a very cool experience,” Kula said. “I ended up getting a standing ovation, which, from a lot of veterans, is very to cool to see.”

On March 4, Kula will be taking his unrivaled essay to Washington D.C for the national competition. While the $35,000 grand prize is certainly intriguing, the VFW also planned a packed and adventure-filled weekend for all the competitors. During the five day trip, competitors will be touring iconic landmarks within D.C, including the White House, the Capital, the National Mall, Mt. Rushmore, Mt. Vernon and Arlington Cemetery.

“I’ve been to D.C before, but this is going to be a whole new experience and I’m very excited for it,” Kula said.

On March 6, the VFW will be livestreaming the award ceremony for the essay competition on the VFW website at 6pm EST. If you see Kula in the hallway, be sure to congratulate him on his outstanding accomplishments thus far.