VFW Announces Winners of Its Annual Scout of the Year Scholarship Competition

Jun 03, 2016

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW) is proud to announce the top three winners of the 2015-16 Scout of the Year scholarship competition. 

Enacted in 2001, the Scout of the Year competition was designed to reward eligible members of the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts who have risen above their peers in exemplifying standout citizenship, patriotism and love of country with college scholarships of up to $5,000.

This year’s first-place winner Elena I. Crespo, sponsored by VFW Post 7766 in San Diego, Calif., was selected for her strong history of dedication and commitment to community service work, and her activism within the Girl Scouts organization. Her work on multiple councils and passion for Girl Scouting led her to the development of the nonprofit organization Let Children Learn. As the first-place recipient, Elena will receive a $5,000 college scholarship.

Grant Mercer, sponsored by VFW Post 5448 in Griffin, Ga., was selected as the second-place winner for his notable scouting history and passion for community service. His love of giving back was clearly demonstrated through his Eagle Project which transformed an overgrown, trash-filled lot of land into a nature sanctuary that his local community can experience and enjoy for years to come. Grant will receive a $3,000 college scholarship.

Sponsored by VFW Post 9969 in Del City, Okla., Katherine T. Prior was awarded third-place for her history of leadership in scouting and her passion for veterans. As part of her Girl Scout Gold Award, Katie founded the Youth Trumpet & Taps Corps which allows high school trumpet players the opportunity to use their talent to honor veterans at funerals and patriotic celebrations. Katie will receive a $1,000 college scholarship.

For more information about the VFW’s Scout of the Year program, visit www.vfw.org/scout.