VFW Names Scout of the Year Winners
Mississippi Boy Scout takes top national prize of $5,000
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (July 17, 2018) – 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.
Photo caption (left to right): 2018 VFW Scout of the Year first-place winner William L.P. Johnson, second-place winner Carsen R. Easley, and third-place winner, Justin C. Fitzpatrick.
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ABOUT THE VFW: The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. is the nation’s largest and oldest major war veterans organization. Founded in 1899, the congressionally-chartered VFW is comprised entirely of eligible veterans and military service members from the active, Guard and Reserve forces. With 1.7 million VFW and Auxiliary members located in 6,400 Posts worldwide, the nonprofit veterans service organization is proud to proclaim “NO ONE DOES MORE FOR VETERANS” than the VFW, which is dedicated to veterans’ service, legislative advocacy, and military and community service programs. For more information or to join, visit our website at www.VFW.org.