Idaho Farm Bureau Announces Veterans Day Essay Winners
Three students from across Idaho will receive cash prizes for their essays honoring military family members.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Awards
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The Farm Bureau Insurance Company of Idaho has named the winners of its 2026 Veterans Day Essay Contest. These students will present excerpts of their work at an upcoming event in Pocatello honoring state military veterans.
Why it matters
The contest highlights the importance of honoring military service legacies among younger generations in Idaho. It provides a platform for students to reflect on the sacrifices made by members of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Jocelynn West, Hayzlee Howell, and Brooklyn De Los Reyes won their respective grade-level categories, earning prizes of $250, $500, and $750. Winners were selected based on essays detailing the military service of family members.
The players
Farm Bureau Insurance Company of Idaho
This organization sponsors the annual essay contest and hosts the Salute to Idaho Veterans event in Pocatello.
Salvatore Giunta
He is a U.S. Army veteran who received the Medal of Honor in 2010 for his actions during a 2007 ambush in Afghanistan.
The details
The winning students will participate in the 14th Annual Farm Bureau Salute to Idaho Veterans, where they will share their writing. The event features Medal of Honor recipient Salvatore Giunta as the keynote speaker.
Timeline
October 27, 2026: Contest winners were announced.
November 6, 2026: The 14th Annual Farm Bureau Salute to Idaho Veterans event takes place.
Culture Shift
This program aligns with broader efforts to bridge the gap between civilian life and military history through intergenerational engagement. By involving students in the 14th Annual Farm Bureau Salute to Idaho Veterans, organizers foster local appreciation for service legacies.
Families across Idaho are encouraged to recognize the upcoming event which honors the service of veterans. The program highlights the specific achievements of young writers from Lewiston and McCammon who will be recognized publicly.
The takeaway
Students interested in participating in future iterations of the contest can focus on researching specific military history within their own families. Engaging with local veterans can provide meaningful material for these types of commemorative projects.
Further reading
Learn more about local community recognition initiatives in the Idaho Awards section.
Live Poll
Should your local institutions host public events specifically to honor military veterans and their families?
