Olivia Drewniak of Woolwich and a senior at Morse High School has been named the winner of a $35,000 scholarship from the National Veterans of Foreign Wars. She was recognized for her accomplishment April 29 at Woolwich’s annual town meeting.  

Maggie Webbert and Nicholas Hamlin, members of VFW Post 7738 of Bath and sponsors of Drewniak, said her submission of an audio essay titled, “How we are showing patriotism for our country” placed first place among 28,000 entries. Webbert said she is Maine’s first winner in the competition held annually.  Along with the scholarship, she’s been invited to attend the national VFW conference this summer in Reno, Nevada, where she's been asked to present her audio essay. 

“Olivia is a unique student in that she’s currently an active member of the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve,” Webbert told Wiscasset Newspaper. 

On behalf of the community, David King Sr., chairman of the selectboard, presented Drewniak with a certificate recognizing her accomplishment before the start of the annual town meeting. 

On hand were Fred Libby, Bath VFW 7738 post commander, and VFW District 7 Commander Edward Harmon of Boothbay.   

Drewniak plans to attend Boston College in the fall. Her parents are Megan and Drew Drewniak.