During the same week she was presented with her All-State soccer certificate, it was announced that Kayla Jo Gansrow had won the Veterans of Foreign War Voice of Democracy essay contest.
Her essay, which was focused on why veterans past, present and in the future are important, placed first at VFW Post 400 in Farmingville, as well as in Suffolk County and in the regional district. It placed fourth in New York State.
Gansrow will attend the United States Naval Academy this summer following her graduation from Sachem East.
“Because of people like them, it inspired me to join the Naval Academy,” Gansrow said about veterans.
She’s thrilled to embark on her journey in the U.S. Navy.
“It’s something I’ve always wanted,” she said. “I want the opportunity be able to challenge myself and be able to serve and protect the freedoms that we have here.”
-Words by Chris R. Vaccaro