Sequim’s VFW Post 4760 honored two students and a scout for their writing and community service efforts last week.

Olympic Christian School’s Maddie Smith, 13, of Port Angeles, and Timothy VanProyen, 14, of Sequim, received the post’s Patriot’s Pen awards for writing about what patriotism means to them, on April 13.

Port Angeles’ Jonathan Scott, 18, with Sea Scout Troop 1212 received the post’s Scout of the Year award.

Post commander Steve Henrikson said there were 29 entries in the annual essay writing contest that looks to promote Americanism and the ideals of the United States.

“The VFW is proud to support these students and we want to be more proactive in working with the youth,” he said.

Scott, an Eagle Scout with Troop 1460, won the post’s and regional competition, and will move on to the state competition in June with the possibility to move onto nationals and a $5,000 scholarship, Henrikson said.

Jack Flanagan, coordinator for the VFW with scouts, said “the Post is proud to say he’ll be a strong contender at the state and national level.”

For the award, Scott said he submitted an essay, his awards, scouting travels, such as at Philmont Scout Ranch and the National Jamboree, and shared his Eagle Scout project — a life jacket exchange by the boat ramp at the Port Angeles Boat Haven.

Once he turned 18, Scott joined the Sea Scout Ship Marvin Shields 1212 and he plans to travel next summer to Florida with the group.

Scott looks to pursue an education at Central Washington University to become either a therapist or psychiatrist.

For the Post’s awards, the writers won a certificate and $50 and Scott $100 and a certificate.

Maddie Smith and Timothy VanProyen won VFW Post 4760’s Patriot’s Pen writing contest on April 13 writing about what patriotism means to them. Sequim Gazette photos by Matthew Nash