Tuesday, November 10, 2026
45.0°F

Photos: VFW essay contest winners

JULIE ENGLER | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 year, 5 months AGO
by JULIE ENGLER
Julie Engler covers Whitefish City Hall and writes community features for the Whitefish Pilot. She earned master's degrees in fine arts and education from the University of Montana. She can be reached at [email protected] or 406-882-3505. | June 4, 2025 1:00 AM

Two Whitefish High School students in Chris Schwaderer's class won prizes in the VFW Voice of Democracy Essay Contest. The prompt was "Is America Today Our Forefathers' Vision?"  

Lyla Rudolph placed second at the Post 276 level and third at the district level. Logan Hyland won third place at the Post 276 level.  

Schwaderer was awarded the VFW Post 276 2025 Teacher of the Year.  


    Mike Atkinson presents Chris Schwaderer with the VFW Post 276 2025 Teacher of the Year award. (Vanessa Solomon photo)
 
 
    Logan Hyland accepts the third-place prize from Mike Atkinson for the VFW Post 276 essay contest. (Vanessa Solomon photo)
 
 



ARTICLES BY JULIE ENGLER

Giddyup for ski movies with local legends Maggie Voisin and Parkin Costain
November 4, 2026 11 p.m.

Giddyup for ski movies with local legends Maggie Voisin and Parkin Costain

Hometown skiing phenoms, Maggie Voisin and Parkin Costain, aka the Powder Cowboys, present the Stumptown Film Festival at the Majestic Valley Arena on Saturday, Nov. 7, just two dozen days before opening day of the ski season on Big Mountain.

Whitefish girls claim State A soccer championship
November 2, 2026 1:57 p.m.

Whitefish girls claim State A soccer championship

The Whitefish girls soccer team won the State A championship after beating rival and defending state champs Columbia Falls, 2-1 in a gritty and well-played match on Saturday at Smith Fields.

Friends remember Ron Rosenberg — a big man with a big heart
November 4, 2026 1 a.m.

Friends remember Ron Rosenberg — a big man with a big heart

Ron Rosenberg grew up in Whitefish and, according to his friend and fellow local legend, Lin Akey, "Ron was one of the kindest human beings I've ever met. He had a big presence and a big personality and a big heart."