HOUSE COMMEMORATION    NO.  1021  

Introduced by:    Representatives Kloucek, Abdallah, Blake, Bolin, Dennert, Elliott, Feickert, Feinstein, Gibson, Hawley, Hubbel, Hunhoff (Bernie), Hunt, Iron Cloud III, Jones, Killer, Kirkeby, Kirschman, Lucas, Magstadt, Moser, Nelson (Stace), Perry, Rausch, Russell, Schrempp, Sigdestad, Solum, Street, Stricherz, Turbiville, Van Gerpen, Verchio, and Wismer and Senators Hundstad, Adelstein, Begalka, Bradford, Cutler, Frerichs, Fryslie, Holien, Hunhoff (Jean), Maher, Nelson (Tom), Novstrup (Al), Nygaard, Putnam, Rampelberg, Rhoden, and Sutton
 

        
        A LEGISLATIVE COMMEMORATION, Commending and honoring the VFW Voice of Democracy, Patriot's Pen, and Teachers of the Year award winners of 2012.

    WHEREAS, the Voice of Democracy and Patriot's Pen scholarship programs sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars provide millions of dollars each year and provide an opportunity for middle school students to think, write, and speak up for our country for freedom and democracy. The Voice of Democracy theme for this year is: "Is There Pride In Serving Our Military?" and the Patriot's Pen theme is: "Are You Proud of Your Country?"; and

    WHEREAS, the recipients of the Voice of Democracy (grades 9-12), Patriot's Pen (grades 6-8), and Teachers of the Year awards were announced on February 7, 2012, in Pierre at the VFW State Voice of Democracy Patriot Award Banquet; and

    WHEREAS, the Voice of Democracy winner, Zachary Christy from Belle Fourche, won a $500 scholarship and a trip to Washington, D.C., where he has a chance to win additional scholarships; and

    WHEREAS, Patriot's Pen first place winner Kate Kruse of Lesterville won $250, and second place winner Preston Barr of Aberdeen won a $200 savings bond; and

    WHEREAS, VFW K-5 Teacher of the Year was Teresa Milliron of Watertown. JoAnn

Volkenant of Waverly won Middle School Teacher of the Year, and Blake Proefrock of Lead won High School Teacher of the Year; and

    WHEREAS, escorting the winners to receive their awards were: Past National VFW Commander Walley Hogan, Past National VFW Ladies Auxiliary President Dixie Hild, SD VFW Commander Verne Hansen, SD VFW Ladies Auxiliary President Jan Endes, and Dennis and Karen Sharp, who served as hosts for the Voice of Democracy in Pierre for twenty years:

    NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT COMMEMORATED, by the Eighty-seventh Legislature of the State of South Dakota, that the 2012 VFW Voice of Democracy, Patriot's Pen, and Teachers of the Year award winners are to be honored and commemorated for putting patriotic words into action and for their programs that provide an opportunity for middle school students to think, write, and speak up for our country and for freedom and democracy.