MILLBROOK — David Sager, 17, a senior at Millbrook High School, placed second in VFW Post 9008 of Millbrook’s Voice of Democracy national essay contest. David’s essay was named one of the top in the VFW’s District 2.
For his effort, David received a $200 check, a certificate and a plaque.
Millbrook High School Principal Eric Seipp was present at the award ceremony.
“It is really no surprise that the VFW Millbrook Post 9008 Memorial Scholarship Committee recognized David’s essay as one of the top in our region,” said Seipp. “David comes from a tremendous family, has aspirations to do well in college and beyond that is just a great, great, great kid. I’m thrilled for him and wish him well in the next round beyond our region.”
VFW Post 9008 Commander Jeff Moseman presented David with his award on Wednesday, Jan. 26.
“Millbrook VFW Post 9008 is proud to announce this year’s winners of the essay writing contest,” he said. “David Sager is a fine young patriotic American; we congratulate him and wish him the best of luck at Liberty University.”
“I entered the contest after hearing about it in my history class,” David said, adding his teacher encouraged the students to record speeches to submit as well.
“I knew it could be a good opportunity to share my views with the VFW,” added David. “Preparation for my speech really came from what I have seen over the past year-and-a-half politically and socially, with how impactful and dividing the pandemic has been.”
Seemingly very insightful for such a young man, he added, “The main point of my speech was moving forward past this division by looking at people and relationships instead of politics. I tried to express this in my speech.”
David did so when he wrote, “Where we go as a country is therefore going to be linked to how we interact with each other. If we, as citizens, are united and continue to forge powerful bonds between each other then the future of America will be strong and steadfast.”
The high school senior added that “winning the contest was a really cool feeling since I wasn’t expecting to go far. I knew I had a chance at doing well in the first round but getting second in the next round was a surprise.”
David added he was “very happy” his message was “impactful” and that he can represent his community and especially the Millbrook VFW in the upcoming round.
“I really appreciate everything they have done for our country and the freedoms we have [thanks to] what they have done,” he said.
In the fall, he will attend Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va. He plans to study mechanical engineering. David chose Liberty because his sister attends school there.
“The Christian community is something I know I want to be a part of on a college campus,” he said, adding he likes the idea of a large campus with many opportunities. He also praised Millbrook High School for preparing him. “The teachers and staff have been super helpful and encouraging throughout my time here. They genuinely care for us and want to see us succeed beyond high school. It has been a privilege to attend such a school where I know that I have support from everyone who works there.”
Meg Sher, executive director of the David M. Hunt Library in Falls Village.L. Tomaino 
