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Emily Bolin Competes in National Voice of Democracy Contest

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McKENZIE — Emily Bolin, a senior at McKenzie High School, just returned from Washington, D.C., where she represented McKenzie and the state of Tennessee in the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ Voice of Democracy Contest.
Emily won the VFW Post 4939-McKenzie, District 8, based in Jackson, and the state of Tennessee to earn the distinction Voice of Democracy speech contest to earn the privilege of advancing to the nationals as the lone state contestant. She and mom, Stephanie made the all-expenses-paid trip March 2-6.
Emily finished 39 out of 53 contestants. Each state winner represented the 50 states along with three from Europe, Panama and Japan. There was approximately a total of 37,000 Voice of Democracy entries from across the country who entered the audio - essay contest entitled “Why My Vote Matters.” 
Stephanie Bolin said, “While we were disappointed that she didn’t win the $30,000 scholarship, we were extremely pleased with 39th when you consider how many total entries there were nationwide. There were approximately 600 entries from the state of Tenn.” She won a $1,000 scholarship from the national competition. Her total scholarships from the local, district, state and national awards total $2,800. She also received the newest edition Dell laptop computer with VFW engraved on the cover and a laptop case.
Emily will attend the University of Tenn. at Martin this fall where those scholarships will be applied to further her education.

While in Washington, she had the opportunity to tour the historical landmarks as well as visit the White House. 
Overall, Emily has won the local McKenzie/Carroll County and district VOD contests in 2016-17, 2017-18, and 2018-19, when she won state. She finished second in the local and district her freshman year to older sister, Lexie, who won first in both contests. Emily won first in local and district for the middle school Patriot’s Pen contest in 2014-2015 school year.
Lexie, has her own bragging rights, winning the local four years in the VOD, district her senior year (2016), district, and state in the VFW contests. She finished eighth in the nation in the Patriot’s Pen in 2012 and received a $3,500 savings bond.
Emily is the daughter of Stephanie Bolin and the late James Bolin. She is an Honor Student, a member of the Beta Club, DECA, History Club, and Library Club. She is a three-year member of the MHS Cheer Team, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Future Teachers of America, and two-year member of the Lady Rebels softball team.
She works part-time at McKenzie Banking Company. She and her family are members of the First United Methodist Church-McKenzie. She is the granddaughter of Jerry and Emily Archer, Pat Bolin and the late William Bolin.