Voice of Democracy
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ premier scholarship program. Each year, nearly 25,000 high school students compete for more than $1.3 million in scholarships and incentives. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is,
"Is America Today Our Forefathers' Vision?"
CRITERIA: The Voice of Democracy is open to students in grades 9-12, who are enrolled in a public, private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application for which has not been denied) and intends to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. Foreign exchange students, students age 20 or over, previous Voice of Democracy first place state winners, GED or Adult Education Students are not eligible for entry.
HOW TO SUBMIT: Record your original 3 to 5-minute (+5 seconds max.) essay on an audio CD or a flash drive. One student per CD or flash drive. You will submit the recording, typed essay and the completed entry form. Provide these items to your school/group competition or local VFW Post for judging. In addition, you can submit your emailed entry form, essay, and audio file to the VFW Post upon approval. You must be the sole author of your essay. The recording must be in your own voice and in English. No music, singing, poetry or sound effects are allowed. The body of the essay must not identify you in any way, (including, but not limited to your name, school, city, state, race, or national origin) although the recording & typed essay should be labeled with your name, to show ownership. You may enter only one competition at one Post (if otherwise eligible) per year.
Want to apply? Download the form
and read the rules.
Entry to local VFW Post by midnight,
Oct. 31, 2024.
The 2024-25 theme:
"Is America Today Our Forefathers' Vision?"
*** VFW Post 8063 is a sponsoring Post
and we award a local scholarship! ***
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Conducted nationwide, this VFW-sponsored youth essay competition gives middle school students an opportunity to write essays expressing their views on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is,
"How Are You Inspired by America?"
CRITERIA: The Patriot’s Pen is open to students in grades 6-8, who are enrolled in a public, private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application for which has not been denied) and intends to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. Foreign exchange students and former winners that placed in the National contest are excluded from the contest.
HOW TO SUBMIT: Essay length: 300 – 400 typewritten words (+5 words max). You must write your own essay. All essays should be typed in English with no color or graphics and cannot be less than 300 words or greater than 400 words in length. (Essays under or over these word amounts will be eliminated.) Every word is counted regardless of length. The essay title (theme) or added footnotes do not contribute to the word count.
In no way may contestants identify themselves within their essay (including, but not limited to, your name, school, city, state, race or national origin.) Do not put your name on your essay. The entry form is your essay’s cover sheet. Secure the Official Student Entry Form with a staple or other fastener on top of your essay. Contestants are allowed to enter only once each year if otherwise eligible (one Post competition). Contestants found in violation of this rule will face elimination from the competition and will be required to return any and all prize money awarded or received.
The essay must be a contestant’s original work and a product of the contestant’s own thinking. The approach to the Patriot’s Pen theme should be positive and clearly focused. Poetry is not acceptable. Quotations may be used sparingly if plainly identified wherever used. A contestant’s teacher, counselor or parent may check the essay for punctuation, grammar and/or spelling, but the content must remain the contestant’s. Contestants will be judged on the basis of their essay alone and are not required to present the essay orally.
Want to apply? Download the form
and read the rules .
Entry to local VFW Post by midnight,
Oct. 31, 2024.
The 2024-25 theme:
"My Voice in America's Democracy?"
*** VFW Post 8063 is a sponsoring Post
and we award a local scholarship! ***
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