Esten Johnsen is named the First Place Winner in both Local and District VOD Contest-State Qualifier

January 15, 2024

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Esten Johnsen, Seward High Junior, was named the first place winner in both the local VFW Post 4755 “Voice of Democracy” Oratorical Contest and the VFW District VOD Contest as well!  He will now advance to the state level of competition.  He is the son Steven and Angela Johnsen of Seward.  Esten presented a recorded, five minute speech as an audio essay on the topic “What are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?” 

He was recognized at the recent PRIDE Rally at Seward High by the Seward VFW and VFW Auxiliary-represented by Lucas Brown-VFW VOD Chair for Seward VFW Post 4755 and Janice Peery for the VFW Post 4755 Auxiliary, where she serves as the Auxiliary’s VOD Chair.  Esten will be recognized again at the VFW District Conference that will be held in Seward on January 21, 2024 at 2:00 at the VFW Club in Seward.  He has been asked to present his speech at that meeting.

He will now compete at the State level with his recorded presentation and competes for additional scholarships and the right to represent Nebraska at the National Contest.   

Photo: L-R Luca Brown-VFW Post 4755, Esten Johnsen, and Janice Peery-Seward VFW Post 4755 Auxilary