by David Flint
Kelsey O’Dell, daughter of Lecia and Larry O’Dell of Petersburgh, has been selected as the winner of the Berlin High School Voice of Democracy Essay Contest. Since 1947 the Voice of Democracy has been the premier scholarship program of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Each year more than 50,000 high school students compete for more than $2.3 million in scholarships and incentives. Students compete by writing and recording a broadcast script on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is, “Is there pride in serving in our military?”
Kelsey affirmed in her thoughtful and articulate essay that, “To be so courageous and brave that you
would stand and stare death in the face to save and protect the rights and freedoms of your countrymen…to be strong, dedicated and willing to do the right thing,” is definitely something to be proud of. Recalling the Vietnam era when controversy over the war led to disrespect for the troops, Kelsey implies that maybe we’ve learned a lesson, so that today, “No matter how much people may hate or disagree with the wars we fight, the soldiers are always supported, and the citizens are always proud of their courage.”