VFW Honors 16 Students, Names Officers and Teacher of Year

Students, police officers, firefighters, and teachers filled Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1152 in Kokomo on January 9 for an evening that celebrated the best of their community. The veterans' organization awarded more than $3,000 in scholarships to 16 local students while honoring standout public servants.

The VFW named Alex Harper of the Kokomo Police Department and William Cline of the Howard County Sheriff's Office as its Law Enforcement Officers of the Year. Thadeus Hall of the Kokomo Fire Department earned Firefighter of the Year, while Tracy Moon, principal at Taylor Middle School, received Teacher of the Year honors. All four nominees advanced to compete for Indiana's state titles and a potential shot at national recognition.

Sixteen students from across Howard County's public schools walked away with scholarships through two separate programs. The Patriot Pen competition awarded scholarships ranging from $50 to $500, with Miah Gonzalez from Maple Crest Middle School taking first place and a $500 award. Eight other students received $50 each and advanced to district competition, while Gavin Vester of Eastern took third place with $100 and Taryn Eubanks of Maple Crest earned second place and $250.

The Voice of Democracy competition distributed even larger awards. Dakota Spray won first place and a $1,000 scholarship, while Annabelle Hintz took second with $500, Rae Jean Bell earned third and $250, and Isabella Stockley received $100 for fourth place.

The success continued beyond the local level. Eubanks won the Patriot Pen district competition and an additional $200, while Hintz prevailed in the Voice of Democracy district round for an extra $300.

The Ripple Effect

What started as a single evening of recognition has created a cascade of opportunity for these students. The scholarships provide immediate financial support, but the district advancements open doors to even greater awards. These young people now carry their community's pride into statewide competition, representing not just their schools but the values their hometown holds dear.

The VFW also presented a special honor to teacher Leslie Ackerman with the Alice Capshaw Award, named for a longtime VFW Auxiliary member who dedicated decades to the organization. Her legacy now lives on in recognizing educators who shape young minds.

One night, one veterans' organization, and dozens of lives changed through recognition and opportunity.