LEWISTON — Thirteen students enrolled in undergraduate or law school programs were awarded scholarships by Hardy Wolf & Downing.

The scholarships were awarded to U.S. veterans, law enforcement employees, and/or their immediate family members.

All applicants submitted a personal essay which discussed the challenges faced by either veterans returning home from war or law enforcement officials who face danger every day on the job. The first-place winner received a $2,500 scholarship. Second- and third-place winners received $1,000 and $500, respectively. Ten additional winners each received $100.

The first place winner was James F. Hasson, a decorated army captain who served an extended tour of duty in Afghanistan. In his essay, Hasson described his experiences in active duty as well as the challenges that veterans face as they return home.

Hasson wrote, “As a member of the incoming class at William and Mary Law School, my desire is to help other veterans find the resources they need, and to help remedy the problems I’ve described in this essay. I will be working as a Fellow at the Lewis B Puller Veterans Clinic on campus, and I hope to use this new chapter of my life to continue serving my fellow servicemen and women, only on a new battlefield.”

Second-place winner was Jennifer L. Barrow, a decorated army captain who served in Iraq as an intelligence officer. She plans to pursue a career as an attorney to help soldiers with challenges such as post-traumatic stress disorder, high unemployment and substance abuse that many face when they return home.

Third-place winner was Nicholas Sanchez, who will begin law school this year. Sanchez described how the military gave him a “second chance” at life, helping him to become a man of character.

Ten $100 prizes were awarded to: Aaron Nolan, Cameron Pritchett, Colin Hill, Corey Haines, Craig Miller, John McGolthlin, Mark Seelen, Michael Yakima, Peter Gillies and Stephen Hanson.