Koswoski awarded Department of Alabama’s ‘VFW Scout of the Year’

MADISON – Finley Koswoski, a graduating senior at James Clemens High School, has been named “VFW Scout of the Year” (or Veterans of Foreign Wars) by the Department of Alabama.

The Gentry-Isom VFW, Post 2,702 in Huntsville recently announced that Koswoski had won this honor for their post in the contest. Koswoski then advanced to state competition and was selected as “Department of Alabama VFW Scout of the Year.”

The VFW Scout of the Year program recognizes outstanding youth who show exemplary behavior in citizenship, patriotism and love of country. As part of the process to select the Scout of the Year, candidates are evaluated at levels for the Post (local); District (multiple counties); and Department (State of Alabama).

For eligibility for the award, a Scout must have received the Eagle Scout Award, Girl Scout Gold Award, Venture Summit Award or Sea Scout Quartermaster Award. The Scout also must have demonstrated exemplary citizenship in school, Scouting and the community.

“Gentry-Isom VFW, Post 2,702 is proud to once again have our top Scout become the recipient of the Department-level award,” Bobby Lee Jr. said. Lee is Commander of VFW Post 2,702.

“This is the third year in a row that Post 2,702 has had the Department-level ‘Scout of the Year,’ which is a reflection on the quality of Scouting programs in our area,” Lee said.

Some of the VFW’s earliest ties to the community involve youth groups. “Perhaps none is stronger or more lasting than the relationship between the VFW and America’s Scouting organizations,” Lee said.

“In fact, VFW’s partnership with Boy Scouts of America dates back to 1915 when VFW Post 2,100 helped to establish Troop 1 in Everett, Wash.,” Lee said.

“In addition to teaching our youth vital life and survival skills, Scouting programs help develop America’s youth into the well-rounded, strong leaders that our country’s future needs. The VFW is proud of all that these students have achieved and accomplished, and we’re honored to recognize them through our Scout of the Year program,” Lee said.

“Finley embodies the qualities we look for in our Scouts. She not only participates in many extracurricular activities, but she also seeks leadership positions in the organizations in which she participates,” Lee said. “That quality sets her apart from many other candidates for this award.”

Finley has been a Girl Scout in Troop 926 since kindergarten. She is graduating from James Clemens High School this month and has been accepted to attend Auburn University in the fall.

Troop 926 leaders are Jean Downs and Andrea Johnson.

Finley and her family will be honored with a presentation ceremony at Post 2,702 on May 25 at noon.