American Legion Department of New York Scholarship winner Heather Johnston is presented a plaque by 8th District American Legion Vice Commander Henry Link.

Heather Johnston of Brocton has been awarded the Richard M. Pedro Memorial Scholarship.

The announcement was made at the 103rd Annual Convention of the Department of New York American Legion, recently held in Albany.

Johnston received a commemorative plaque and $1,000 scholarship check awarded in recognition for outstanding faith and understanding concerning the principles on which the United States of America was founded.

The inscription read, in part, “On behalf of the American Legion, Department of New York, we thank and salute you for your Patriotism, Community Spirit and Support of our great nation.”

“Young people like Heather Johnston are the future of the United States of America. We need all of our youth to stand up and promote the principles of freedom, justice and American ideals,” said Henry Link, vice commander of the American Legion’s Eighth District and past commander of Brocton’s John W. Dill Post 434.

Richard M. Pedro was a World War II veteran and past American Legion national commander who based his life the principles of patriotism, community spirit and support of the United States of America. Johnston’s essay was chosen as the best essay from across New York state to reflect upon Pedro’s lifelong principles.

Johnston is a 2021 graduate of Brocton Central School.