Contact: Teri Elgersma, Alpha Omega Academy, 800-682-7391

ROCK RAPIDS, Iowa, Feb. 20, 2018 /Christian Newswire/ -- Lily Anna Cranford, a freshman at Alpha Omega Academy (AOA), was selected as Alaska's first place winner of the Voice of Democracy patriotic audio essay competition sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).

As a state winner, Cranford receives an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., where she will be honored by the VFW during the week of March 3-7, 2018. In addition to receiving her portion of $154,000 in national awards, she is also eligible to win the top scholarship of $30,000.

"It's exciting to see one of our students achieve success in such a renowned competition put on by our nation's heroes," said Principal Joe Bakker. "Our staff congratulates Lily on representing her state and earning this recognition on a national level."

Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the VFW's premier scholarship program. Each year, nearly 40,000 high school students compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay of 3-5 minutes on an annual patriotic theme. This year's theme was "American History: Our Hope for the Future."

The daughter of Derek and Michelle Cranford of North Pole, Alaska, Lily is currently in her fifth year as a student at Alpha Omega Academy.

About Alpha Omega Academy
Accredited by NCA CASI, Alpha Omega Academy is the K-12 online school of Alpha Omega Publications. Founded in 1977, Alpha Omega Publications is a leading provider of award-winning PreK-12 Christian curriculum, educational resources, and services to Christian schools and homeschool families worldwide. Visit Alpha Omega Academy online or call 800-682-7396.