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SEHS students win VFW contest
1.17 VFW winners
Winners in the VFW essay contest were Amanda Starling, Michaela Lariscy and Josh Coleman. They are joined by John M. Bath of the VFW. - photo by Photo submitted

Three students from South Effingham High School were recently recognized as the first, second and third place winners of the local Voice of Democracy audio-essay contest sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign War Post representing both Effingham and Bulloch counties.

This year’s theme for the essays was, “My Role in Honoring America’s Veterans.”

Receiving a plaque and a check from the local VFW were: senior Josh Coleman, first place; Freshman Michaela Lariscy, second place; and freshman Amanda Starling, third place. Presenting the checks and commending the students on their outstanding efforts was John M. Bath of the local VFW post.

“It is always fitting to recognize events that have happened in the past,” said Bath, “and it is wonderful when students respect that.”

Created in 1947, the Voice of Democracy scholarship program is an audio-essay contest for high school students in grades 9-12 that annually provides more than $3 million in scholarships.

The first-place winner, who competes with all the first-place VFW department winners, receives a $30,000 scholarship.

The Voice of Democracy program is endorsed by the National Association of Secondary School Principals and is designed to foster patriotism by allowing students the opportunity to voice their opinion in a three to five minute essay based on an annual theme. 

Effingham School Board Approves $203M budget with Potential Property Tax Increase
2026 budget
This chart illustrates how the Effingham County School District’s $203 million general fund is allocated for fiscal year 2026, including spending on salaries, benefits, transportation, health services, and safety and security. (Courtesy of Effingham School District)
The Effingham County Board of Education approved a $203 million fiscal year 2026 budget Thursday night, reflecting an 11% increase over last year. The rise is largely due to an $8 million spike in health and retirement benefit costs for employees. To help cover the shortfall, the district may raise the property tax millage rate, potentially increasing homeowners’ taxes by up to 12 percent.
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