GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - Gridley VFW Post 5731 kicked off their annual VFW Scholarship awards program Wednesday, May 15^th at the Biggs Unified School District Awards Night. The scholarship program is designed to promote patriotism among the youth of our nation.

Commander of VFW Post 5731, Cheyenne Bart, had the honor of awarding two $500 scholarships to this year’s winners, Biggs High School students, Courtney Thompson and Jamie McEntire.

The VFW considers multiple factors when choosing the scholarship winners. Applicants participate in the interview process with VFW members who judge their responses.

Commander Bart shares, “We ask questions about whether or not family members served in our military, if they plan on joining the military, there is an essay question on what freedom means to them, and whether or not they support kneeling during the National Anthem. Class Rank, grades, grammar, spelling, and staying on topic are considered during our judging.”

The VFW scholarship program is open to students locally, but remains a national program, providing multiple opportunities to win funding for higher education. Recently, Commander Bart traveled to graduation ceremonies held at Sutter Peak Academy in Woodland to award scholarships on behalf of VFW ceremonies for their winning participants – Carmela Parker and Sophie Krlusic.

The VFW organization is proud to support students as they proceed to further their education, continuing to promote patriotism and the awareness of sacrifices made by military veterans in honor of their country.