Western Springs junior advances in Voice of Democracy essay contest

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Lyons Township High School junior Samantha Kubil (second from right) celebrates with her family from Western Springs after she was named a regional winner Jan. 8 in Chicago in the VFW Voice of Democracy essay contest. Joining her are her dad, Marc, broth

Updated: February 27, 2012 8:03AM

Becoming a music teacher and serving in the military may seem like separate career paths, but Lyons Township High School junior Samantha Kubil is determined to pursue both.

The Western Springs resident was named a regional winner Jan. 8 in the VFW’s Voice of Democracy Scholarship Competition for her essay on “Is There Pride in Serving in our Military?”

“I feel really strongly about the topic and wanted to make it personal,” Kubil said. “Hearing about the soldiers in Iraq on the news or some of the stories about veterans really spoke to me.”

Kubil said she began researching the ROTC program, especially at colleges with a strong music education program, because she wants to be a high school choral or band director. She would like to join the Air Force.

LT teachers have inspired Kubil to become a teacher, after singing alto in choir and playing baritone, tenor and alto saxophones in the marching, jazz and pep bands and the wind ensemble. She also plays piano, guitar and is learning the drums.

“I also am involved in the Theatre of Western Springs,” she said. “I composed all of the transition music for one of the plays. It’s completely different and definitely a chance to be creative.”

In addition to giving lessons to aspiring saxophone players, Kubil is working on achieving the Gold Award, Girl Scouts’ highest honor. She is organizing a drive to send Girl Scout cookies to soldiers in Afghanistan.

Kubil said her great-great grandfather served in the military and several other relatives have been Chicago police officers, including her mom, Ronda, who has retired from the department.

Serving as a police officer is similar to the military, she said.

“It’s a great way to show pride in your country and serve people in a way you can’t through teaching or being a doctor,” she said.

Kubil said she was thrilled her essay won at the regional level after entering the VFW contest through a post in Chicago.

“I was shocked actually, because one lady asked me my age and said I could enter again next year. My heart sank a little,” she recalled. “When they called the second and third place winners, I thought I didn’t even place.

“Then when I heard my name, my heart just about jumped out of my chest.”

Kubil said she’s looking forward to a trip to Springfield with 17 other regional high school winners in the essay contest to tour the state Capitol, Lincoln’s tomb and other points of interest. The state winner will advance to competition at the national level.