Mylah Harness, the district first-place winner for the VFW's Patriot's Pen scholarship competition, performed her speech at a recent VFW meeting in Madras. VFW Post 12141, located in Madras, recognized 16 winners of the local Patriot’s Pen scholarship — a middle school essay contest focused on themes of patriotism. The top three Patriot’s Pen district winners were Culver Middle School student Amari Ozment, Madras Middle School student Luke Stroup and homeschooled student Mylah Harness. Rich Lohman, chairman of the local VFW’s scholarship program, encourages students to apply for the scholarship programs next year. The theme for next year’s scholarship competition is expected to be announced in April.