The Peru Gazette

VFW Post 309 conducts a ceremony each Veterans Day to honor the people who wrote this check. At today’s ceremony Commander Tom Boisseau welcomed guests. The James P. O’Connor Composite Squad Color Guard, Civil Air Patrol posted Colors. Rev. Alan Shnob led benediction and closing prayer. Peru Town Clerk Dianne Miller delivered remarks in behalf of the Town of Peru. Saranac High School Junior Carson Bunker sounded Taps. The VFW Auxilary servd a delicious luncheon following the service.

Each year the VFW and its Auxiliary conducts a national scholarship competition known as the Voice of Democracy. It is an audio-essay contest for high school students in grades 9-12. The program annually provides more than $2.3 million in scholarships. This year’s theme is “What makes America Great.” The Peru Memorial Post 309 competition was won by Saranac High School Senior Rachael Woodruff. Auxiliary President Judy Lefevre and Post Commander Tom Boisseau presented the award. The Peru Gazette will post Racheal’s thought-provoking essay after she completes higher level competition.

VFW Post 309 and its Auxiliary presented its Citizen Education Teacher Award to Saranac High School English teacher Shelly Webster. Auxiliary President Lefevre talked with Mrs. Webster’s students and colleagues discovering that both hold her in the highest esteem. She listens to, guides and inspires her students and attends many school functions supporting them. Today she was in Peru supporting Racheal Woodruff. She had no idea that she would be receiving this award.

Interviewed after the service Mrs. Webster said, “I try to teach students to use their voices and to be heard always backing up their voices with evidence.” Her students have participated in the VFW’s Voice of Democracy program for the past seven years. She explained, “I want them to know It’s OK to say you love your country.”