Students encouraged to participate in essay contest
Students compete by writing and recording an essay on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is “Why Is the Veteran Important.”
Since 1947 the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ premier scholarship program. Each year nearly 80,000 high school students compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives. Students compete by writing and recording an essay on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is “Why Is the Veteran Important.”
Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the VFW Post, district, state and national level. The top national scholarship is $35,000. A chance to compete for the top national scholarship begins at New Philadelphia VFW Post 1445.
The top-three entries at Post 1445 will be awarded scholarships of $1,500 for first place, $1,000 for second place and $500 for third place. The first-place winning entry can advance to the district competition.
The Voice of Democracy is open to all Tuscarawas County students grades 9-12 enrolled in a public, private or parochial high school or home study program in the county.
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 intend 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, and GED or adult education students are ineligible. For complete rules, refer to the Voice of Democracy application.
To enter, students can now request a copy of the 2022-23 Voice of Democracy application from their local high school guidance counselor. Copies were delivered to all Tuscarawas County high schools including the Buckeye Career Center.
Applications also may be picked up at VFW Post 1445, located at 441 Park Ave. NW, New Philadelphia, or call the post at 330-364-9973 to request to have an application mailed to you.
Record an original 3-5 minute essay on an audio CD or a flash drive and deliver it with a typed copy of the essay and completed application form to VFW Post 1445 no later than the close of business on Oct. 31. Entries received after Oct. 31 and entries that fail to meet the minimum three-minute audio essay recorded time will be disqualified.
Call VFW Post Cmdr. Steve Chenevey at 330-364-9973.