Reporter's notebook: Essay winner

Clovis Christian Schools senior Alanna Greenwell, at 17, still isn't old enough to cast a ballot in any general election. But she had no trouble finding reasons why it mattered.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars gave her another 600 reasons on Friday, as Greenwell was honored for her high marks in the VFW's nationwide Voice of Democracy essay contest.

Greenwell finished third in New Mexico for the competition, and was honored in a brief Friday afternoon assembly at Clovis Christian High School.

She was awarded a $500 prize for third place, and VFW Post 3015 surprised her at the ceremony with another $100 on top of it.

The essay contest is open to students in grades 9-12 annually, with each year including a different theme. This year, entrants had to submit a three- to five-minute speech on the theme, "Why My Vote Matters." Though it ultimately comes down to student participation, it is the intent of every VFW post to have a local contest and winner.

Greenwell said although she still couldn't vote herself, she still found plenty of reason why her eventual vote would matter.

"I just looked back at how much people fought for the right," Greenwell said. "We have secured that privilege, and we might as well put it to use."

Gordon K. Lam, a retired Air Force master sergeant and commander of Post 3015, told the assembled students all state winners receive a trip to Washington, D.C., as part of the national contest. The national winner receives $30,000, and each state winner receives at least $2,000.

- Compiled by Editor Kevin Wilson