voice of democracy winning essays 2021

Voice of Democracy winning essays

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Nowadays many things are going wrong, but one thing that personally affects Americans everywhere is the problem with the economy. The issue is very bad and may affect all Americans in the long and short run. Today, I will be discussing what is causing the issue with the economy, how this issue affects busing and how it affects the American people.

Many people have been wondering why many items are not stocked on the supermarket shelves. This is due to the inability to get the supplies. This is starting at the harbors where the supplies are shipped. Many companies who unload the ships have experienced staff shortages, mostly due to making their employees get the COVID 19 vaccine and they are getting unemployment. This makes them have a shortage of manpower; therefore, not being able to get the boats unloaded.

The boats that do not get unloaded then have to be transported via truck. This is also an issue because there is also a shortage of truck drivers. The shortage is not as bad as people on the docks , but it is still an issue. This is causing the supplies that are unloaded to not be delivered. Since supplies that are in high demand are not being delivered, their prices go up.

This causes a problem with the economy. Another issue is the government giving out lots of money. When people have more money they will buy more things. Then in a ploy for money, the supermarket will raise their prices to get more money.

A bad economy does not only affect the peopled of this fine country, but also the businesses that run in this country. The businesses are affected because the supplies that they usually use are not able to get to them. Without getting the usual supplies, they then have to go to a more expensive item or an item not as good. If they have to go to a more expensive item, then they will have to increase the price of the items.

With a different product withless quality, the business could potentially lose customers. This could also affect the cost of their machinery that is needed for their business. Technology, like a cas register and a card reader may become more expensive. This can also affect the cost of special machinery needed to run a certain business.

This does not only affect the business of America, but the people too. With a bad economy, the American citizens can expect prices to increase exponentially. Many Americans can already see the increase in prices at their local grocery store. The increase of price really affects the many low income families across America. With the American government giving out money to American citizens, this will also affect the people of America in the long run.

As of now, many Americans are enjoying the extra money from the government, but it will affect us later. First, many Americans could start depending on the money coming from the government, later when the government runs out of money to give these people, they could become impoverished. With the government handing out money, we could theoretically turn into a communist nation. Lastly, with the government handing out money, we could also see loss of funds in important aspects of life. This could mean cuts in funding for schools, military and other government funded facilities.

In conclusion, right now America is in a pickle. Our economy is in deep trouble. We all see an issue in the near future. I hope that the government can help us get out of this issue. I hope this piece helps you understand how the economy got into this issue, how it affects the American businesses and how it will affect you and other American citizens.

LAW ENFORCEMENT

By Alia Winter

Law enforcement officers have been pushed around and mistreated for far too long. There have been times that these officers have simply been fulfilling their duties and still there has been public backlash. There is no real, logical reason for these outrages, yet they still seem to, not only continue, but also get much worse as time passes. They have been unfairly protested, aimlessly investigated by our government and have been placed under strict restrictions.

The Declaration of Independence states that all men are created equal. Unfortunately, a man of color lost his life on May 25, 2020 due to a law enforcement issue. One man was to blame for the death of this man, but yet law enforcement officers all over the U.S. were punished.

Protesters have roamed the streets since that unfortunate day, speaking badly about police officers or even going far enough to shoot at them. While I understand that many people were negatively affected by the death, why must we punish those who have the same profession of one who has done wrong? The death of the man, George Floyd, was an accident and while the police officer responsible may have deserved to be punished, we should not transfer the blame to law enforcement as a whole.

All of the energy put towards these protests is wasted. Law enforcement workers constantly have to supervise these protests while they could be helping citizens in need. These protests only cause destruction and negativity and though anyone has a right to protest, it seems childish to me. These large groups of people are destroying buildings just because they don’t like how a situation was handled. However, far more people are killed in these protests than one single man. In addition to that, these protests are also affecting hundreds of people whether harming them or harming the area where they live or even harming the people they love.

There are articles all over the internet that explain how police officers constantly violate our rights. One particularly detailed article is actually on a government website: (http://www.justice.gv/crt/addressing-police-misconduct-laws-enforced-department-justice). This article is filled with all sorts of ways that police violate our rights.

At first, it starts off by saying that jobs in law enforcement are often difficult and that we must respect them so that they may respect us. Then it continues to say that respect is not always mutual and that we need to know our rights.The article also describes when it is appropriate for a person to file a complaint against a law enforcement officer. This article is well written and detailed, therefore, I am guessing that it took some time to write.

And my question to the author is why waste your time on something that will merely lead to a dead end? Since this article was published on a government website, I also direct the same question at government officials. Why must you waste your own time and energy on something that is not a problem, or at least not a major problem, when you could use your time from something much more important or time sensitive?

Beginning on July 1, 2023, law enforcement officers in the state of Colorado will be required to wear body cameras by law. They must leave the cameras rolling engaging in police business. As of right now, there has been a mandate about the body cameras placed on these officers. Though this issue seems minor, it is only the start of a long list of mandates and restrictions that police are required to follow.

One of these rules states that a police officer may not resort to use of force unless absolute necessary. Violence may not be the best answer, but if a person feels that a police officer was too rough or resorted to use of force too quickly, the officer will not win due to the fact that many people feel very strongly about police and their rights.

In conclusion, there is no logical reason for these outbursts. However, they still seem to continue and grow much worse as time goes on. Law enforcement officers have been unfairly protested, aimlessly investigated by our U.S. government and have even been placed under strict rules and restrictions. Even when these officers are merely doing their job, the public has still been completely against them. Law enforcement officers have been treated unfairly for far too long.

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Edgemont student submits winning essay in ‘Voice of Democracy’

Tuesday, 09 March 2021 16:05

Photo by Eric Harrold/Fall River County Herald-Star

At halftime of a basketball game last month, Bill Barlow presented Amy Printz with a $300 award for her winning essay submitted for the Voice of Democracy contest through the Custer Veterans of Foreign Wars organization. This year’s theme was, “Is This the Country the Founders Envisioned?”

_____________________________

By Eric Harrold

Staff Writer

EDGEMONT – Amy Printz, a 10th-grader at Edgemont High School, was recently presented a $300 scholarship award for submitting a winning essay to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Voice of Democracy Program. This year’s theme is: Is This The Country that the Founders Envisioned?

Printz’s essay submission won at the district level of competition and has been forwarded for consideration at the state level.

The Edgemont sophomore says that her motivation to participate was driven strongly by the essay topic. She learned about the contest through her geography teacher, Eric Reynolds, who was made aware of the program through his father who is a member of the Custer VFW.

Printz says that her success in the contest has encouraged her to pursue all opportunities that are given to her. After high school, she plans to attend nursing school with the goal of becoming a pediatric nurse.

According to the Veterans of Foreign Wars website, the Voice of Democracy audio-essay program was established in 1947 and provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay. Each year, nearly 40,000 9th-12th grade students from across the country enter to win their share of $2.1 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program.

The national first-place winner receives a $30,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school. A complete list of other national scholarships range from $1,000-$16,000, and the first-place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins a minimum scholarship of $1,000 and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C.

Here is her winning essay....

Is This the Country that the Founders Envisioned?

Prior to 1927, what is currently known as Mount Rushmore was a massive, unmoving, unchanging piece of granite in the Black Hills of South Dakota. A man by the name of Gutzon Borglum had a vision of turning that massive piece of granite into a patriotic monument. A monument that would represent the nation’s birth, growth, development, and preservation by the values of President’s selected to be sculpted. It was a slow, laborious, costly process, but in 1941, it matched and even exceeded his vision.

In 1776, our Founding Fathers, under the hard hand of tyranny and subject to the unmoving laws of the king, had a vision of a free country with unity, equality, and limited government. Slowly, over time, and at a great cost, a country was created that matched and maybe even exceeded this vision. Slavery was abolished, women were given more rights and three branches of government were made.

At the completion of Mount Rushmore, the monument was smooth and did not have cracks or many imperfections. Today, when you look closely, you can see that time, and weather have left their mark. However, it is still an amazing and beautiful sight to see despite these imperfections. I think this is a picture of America. I believe that America is a great country. A free and equal country. But as time goes on, imperfections are also made more visible.

What imperfections are visible? The government is becoming more involved and more powerful than the founding fathers envisioned. We, as a nation, are dividing from each other, not becoming more unified as the founding fathers wanted. Thomas Jefferson said that “the end of democracy and the defeat of the American Revolution will occur when government falls into the hands of lending institutions and moneyed incorporations.” Today, campaigns of elected officials are sponsored by corporations that are trying to influence politicians’ future decisions. Politicians are being swayed by money, bribed by corporations, and I do not believe that is what our founding fathers wanted. There is also a division in our country. A divided country cannot stand, and yet, we allow things, such as opinions and politics, to divide us. The founders wanted unity and I do not believe that we are as united as we once were.

Mount Rushmore must have maintenance now and then to help slow down the effects of weathering. As does America. To keep our freedom, we must maintain it. Thomas Jefferson said, “...If they remain quiet under such misconceptions it is lethargy, the forerunner of death to the public liberty...” Maybe it is our own lethargy that encourages imperfections in our America. We must stay alert, be tireless and unflagging in standing up for freedom and unity.

Thomas Jefferson also said that “the price of freedom is eternal vigilance.” Maybe the people of America have not been diligent in maintaining our freedom as individuals. Maybe we have not been vigilant in maintaining the freedom that so many people have given their lives for. Maybe we have allowed the government to get bigger and stronger than the founders wanted. Maybe it is our job to not let them overstep boundaries and we have not done that, which causes the government to get more involved in our daily lives.

As I said before, Mount Rushmore is a beautiful sight to see, even with the imperfections. I think that America is an amazing country though there are imperfections. Yes, this country is a great, free, equal country but I believe that we are starting to stray from the vision that our Founding Fathers had. I think that it is my generation’s responsibility to preserve that vision and make some changes so that we can become the country that the founders envisioned. We must be diligent in keeping that vision alive and making the vision reality.

Fall River County Herald Star

Edgemont office: 410 2nd avenue edgemont, sd 57735-0660 | 605.662.7201 hot springs office: 334 s. chicago st. hot springs, sd 57747 | 605.745.3930 send news to: n [email protected] send ad requests to: [email protected]

Washington Township

Public schools | sewell, nj.

District Announces 2021 Voice of Democracy Essay Contest Winners

Sydney Cella Adam Wiedman Sophia Bostwick

Three Washington Township High School students have won the annual Voice of Democracy youth essay-writing contest sponsored by the local chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).

Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW’s) premier scholarship program. Each year, nearly 57,000 high school students compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme was “America: Where Do We Go From Here?”

Senior Sydney Cella, the contest’s 2020 winner, repeated as the first-place winner. Juniors Alexander Wiedman and Sophia Bostwick placed second and third, respectively.

“As always, we had tremendous support of the the VFW's Voice of Democracy Contest,” District social studies supervisor Jeff Snyder said. “It is great to see Sydney Cella win first place again this year. Sydney is no stranger to this contest. In addition to her back-to-back wins, she won third place in the Voice of Democracy contest in 2019-20 and won third place in the Patriot's Pen contest in 2017-18. We congratulate her and her fellow classmates who earned distinction and all those students who participated.”

Cella’s winning submission will be forwarded to officials for consideration in the tri-county-level competition.

Eileen Abbott

Central Administration Building

Interim Superintendent

206 E. Holly Ave

Sewell, NJ 08080

Phone: 856-589-6644

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Brighter Futures Program. Online digital learning commons. a center of collaborative learning that produces creative students who have an appreciation of literature, critical thinking skills, and a respect for others and self.

VFW’s 2021-2022 Voice of Democracy and Patriots Pen Essay Contest…

Established in 1947, our Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay. Each year, nearly 64,500 9-12 grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $2 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program.

The national first-place winner receives a $30,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college, or vocational/technical school. A complete list of other national scholarships range from $1,000-$16,000, and the first-place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins a minimum scholarship of $1,000. Want to apply? Read the rules and eligibility requirements , and download and complete the 2021-2022 Voice of Democracy entry form as all student entries must be submitted to a sponsoring local VFW Post by midnight, Oct. 31 .

The 2021-22 theme is: America: Where Do We Go From Here?

About the 2020-2021 winner …

Erin Stoeckig, a high school junior from Mayo High School in Rochester, Minnesota, was named the 2020-2021 Voice of Democracy first-place winner. Erin’s speech on the theme, “Is This the Country the Founders Envisioned?” won her a $30,000 college scholarship. Erin was sponsored by VFW Post 1215 and its Auxiliary in Rochester, Minnesota. Watch as Erin delivered her speech during the VFW’s first-ever virtual Parade of Winner’s award ceremony, live on Facebook.

Want to catch up on everything that happened this year? You can watch the Parade of Winners ceremony which was streamed live on Facebook, see this year’s complete list of winners , or listen to the winning essay from your state.

Patriot’s Pen

Each year more than 165,400 students in grades 6-8 enter the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen youth essay contest for a chance to win their share of more than $1.4 million in state and national awards. Each first-place state winner receives a minimum of $500 at the national level, and the national first-place winner wins $5,000!

The essay contest encourages young minds to examine America’s history, along with their own experiences in modern American society, by drafting a 300- to 400-word essay, expressing their views based on a patriotic theme chosen by the VFW Commander-in-Chief. Want to apply? Read the rules and eligibility requirements , and download and complete the 2021-2022 Patriot’s Pen entry form as all student entries must be submitted to a sponsoring local VFW Post by midnight, Oct. 31 .

The 2021-22 theme is: How Can I Be a Good American?

Wyatt Perkins, a sixth-grade home school student from Mayville, North Dakota, was named the 2020-2021 Patriot’s Pen first-place winner. His essay on the theme, “What is Patriotism to Me?” won him a $5,000 award. Wyatt was sponsored by VFW Post 4221 in Portland, North Dakota.

Watch as Wyatt delivered his winning essay , during the VFW’s first-ever virtual Parade of Winners streamed live on Facebook, or see the complete list of 2021 national winners

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Voice of Democracy

“Voice of Democracy”

Voting turnout directly correlates with age as the highest is 60+ followed by 45-59, then 30-44, and finally 18-29. Of those who do vote, it is shown that millennials tend to vote overwhelmingly Democratic compared to older generations, who are more equally split. Millennials make up thirty percent of the voting population but only approximately half actually turned out to the 2016 election. With all of the demand for change on so many issues like sexual assault, gun violence , and equal rights issues, those who support such causes need to use their vote to try to make those changes. Research has shown that if more people voted than the laws would be what was best for the majority and not for the specific demographics that are the current voters. It has also been said that the campaigns would change to appeal to the majority which could bring about great change in our laws and society at large. It may be difficult, if not impossible, to find a candidate who aligns with one’sviews perfectly, but there is always a choice that is at least slightly better than the others.

There are so many ways to enact change. You could protest or become a spokesperson and spread your messages and ideas to others that may not have heard it or understood it. You could do this in many ways. There are people who speak out just for the issues they believe in and have gained fame and notoriety around those issues like Emma Gonzalez, a survivor of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, who started speaking out against gun violence after the tragedy and is now well known and has had interviews with Ellen DeGeneres and Jimmy Kimmel as well as many other popular news sites. Others like actors and singers speak out about issues they believe in because they already have a following. However this can have negative effects as they could get backlash and lose fans. This has caused many famous people to stay silent on their opinions on many of these topics.

There is a lot of talk currently about the midterm elections. There was quite a bit of public outrage over Brett Kavanaugh being confirmed as a Supreme Court Justice. He has been accused of sexual assault, which brought up many debates on false accusations, believing the victim and other such normally taboo subjects. His confirmation sparked a movement called ‘Blue Wave’. Celebrities and online influencers who have before remained neutral and not spoken up about politics are now speaking up urging people to vote Democrat in the coming election. We don’t yet know how much of an effect this so-called “Blue Wave” will have on the election. It’s a complicated issue and it is hard to predict the outcome. Regardless of whether you vote Democrat or Republican, you still need to vote. If you want change or if you want things to stay completely the same, what you think has no effect on the outcome unless you cast your ballot and make that little bit of difference that can end up being a lot. Because the truth is, every vote matters. If everyone decided to stay home thinking, ‘What is one vote going to change?’, then nothing would ever change.

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Carlisle Area School District

Carlisle Area School District Empowering Every Learner

VFW Voice of Democracy Essays

VOICE OF DEMOCRACY

2022-2023 Theme: "Why is the Veteran Important?"

Established in 1947, our Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay. Each year, nearly 40,000 9-12 grade students from across the country enter to win their share of $2.1 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program.

The national first-place winner receives a $30,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school. A complete list of other national scholarships range from $1,000-$15,000, and the first-place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins a minimum scholarship of $1,000 and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. Want to apply?

VOD Deadlines:

Midnight, October 31, Entries to the Post

December 13, District Winners due to Department Chairman

Rules and Eligibility Requirements: VOD Rules / Eligibility

Download the 2022-23 VOD Entry Form here: VOD Entry Form

DO NOT mail District entries and required forms to State Headquarters. Mail them directly to the State Voice of Democracy Chairman!

POST PARTICIPATION REPORTING PACKET

DISTRICT PARTICIPATION REPORTING PACKET (by POST):

DISTRICT VOD / PP WINNER REPORT:

Click Here

Address 4210 East Kiehl Ave. Sherwood, AR 72120 Contact Us via Email Phone: 501-834-8392 Fax: 501-833-0205

M: 0830-1630 T: 0830-1630 W: 0830-1630 Th: 0830-1630 F: 0830-1100 Sat: CLOSED Sun: CLOSED

Menu Home About Programs Resources News Contact Members Only

Links Site Admin Webmail VFW National VFW Store National Auxiliary Site

VOICE OF DEMOCRACY

Voice of Democracy (High School Essay Contest)– Invites students grades 9-12 to express themselves about democratic ideas and principles. The District winners will attend a banquet for VFW student scholarships in January where the top five essays are recognized and monetary prizes are awarded. The first-place student will present the winning essay and will receive a free trip to Washington, D.C. to join the other state winners for special activities. As part of this contest program, the VFW holds the Voice of Democracy Teacher of the Year Contest, which gives recognition to a teacher who encourages students to participate in the contest. General information about the contest can be obtained here . Score sheet for judging can be found here . Click Here for the 2022 Department of Pennsylvania VOD Information. Click Here for the 2022 Perpetual Scholarship Fund. NOTE: PA has due dates different than those publicized by National VFW! October 31 - All student essays due to the Post November 21 - Post judging completed December 5 - District judging completed December 10 - Submit the one district winner, along with the written essay, audio essay, headshot, District summary report and District participation report to Glenn Owen. December 12 - Department judging completed January 2023 - VOD Awards Banquet at Mid-Winter Conference "Pennsylvania Voice of Democracy Teacher of the Year” The Department of Pennsylvania wishes to recognize the contribution made by teachers in support of the Voice of Democracy Patriotic Essay Competition. The Department will again recognize one educator who has made an outstanding effort to promote the Voice of Democracy Program in their school. Posts are urged to nominate one teacher for this honor to the District V.O.D. chairman. The District will select one nominee to be sent to the Department level judging. The winning teacher will be invited to the State Voice of Democracy Banquet to be honored as the "Pennsylvania Voice of Democracy Teacher of the Year”. This program should not replace any existing effort (i.e.; National Citizenship Education Teacher Award) on the post and district level to reward the efforts of teachers but should be considered an additional incentive for the Voice of Democracy program. The deadline date for submission for teacher nominations will be the same dates as those for the V.O.D. program. • Posts should use the nomination form for teacher nominations. • Posts nominations should be in the hands of the V.O.D. District Chairman 5 days prior to the date set for the District judging. Post chairmen should contact the District Chairmen to check for the date and give notice of their nomination. • The District Chairmen should schedule district competitions before December 5th. District winning nomination must be submitted to the Department Chairman by December 9, 2022. • District Chairmen will ensure that all Posts nominations have an opportunity to participate on a fair and equal basis. Due notice should be given to all Posts/Auxiliaries of the exact date, time and location of the District judging along with the instructions stating where, when and to whom the nominations should be submitted. Department Awards for Voice of Democracy Teacher of the Year include: • Hotel and travel expenses to the State Voice of Democracy Banquet, January 2023 • Banquet tickets for winner and guest • Plaque and additional gifts. Plus tour with V.O.D. District Winners Pennsylvania VFW Voice of Democracy Chairman Glenn Owen VFW Post 6824 (14) 8563 Route 467 LeRaysville, PA 18829 570-744-2028/814-612-1970 [email protected]

Address 4002 Fenton Ave Harrisburg, PA 17109-5943 Contact Us via Email Fax: 717-234-1955

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VFW Post 6441- Wimberley, TX

Voice of Democracy

The national first place winner receives a $30,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school. A complete list of other national scholarships range from $1,000-$16,000, and the first place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins a minimum scholarship of $1,000. Want to apply? Read the rules and eligibility requirements , and download and complete the 2021-2022 Voice of Democracy entry form as all student entries must be submitted to a sponsoring local VFW Post by midnight, Oct. 31.

The 2021-22 theme is: America: Where Do We Go From Here?

About the 2020-2021 winner ...

Erin Stoeckig, a high school junior from Mayo High School in Rochester, Minnesota, was named the 2020-2021 Voice of Democracy first place winner. Erin's speech on the theme, "Is This the Country the Founders Envisioned?" won her a $30,000 college scholarship. Erin was sponsored by VFW Post 1215 and its Auxiliary in Rochester, Minnesota. Watch as Erin delivered her speech during the VFW's first-ever virtual Parade of Winners award ceremony, live on Facebook.

Want to catch up on everything that happened this year? You can watch the Parade of Winners ceremony which was streamed live on Facebook, see this year's complete list of winners , or listen to the winning essay from your state.

2021-2022 Winners

Frist Place: HARRISON MAYHEW, 12th Grade Second Place: ELIZABETH GONZALEZ, Grade Third Place: JOSHUA BOBER, Grade

VOICE OF DEMOCRACY

2022-2023 Theme

"Why Is The Veteran Important?”

The 2022 Student Entry Deadline is October 31, 2021 Click below to download the rules & eligibility and the Student Entry Form

Rules & Eligibility:

Student Entry Form: Patriotic Audio Essay Competition Grand Prize: $30,000 Scholarship

Address 4622 Dutch Mill Road Madison, WI 53716 Contact Us via Email Phone: 608-221-5276 Fax: 608-221-5277

Menu Home About Programs Resources News Contact Members Only

Links Site Admin Webmail Follow on Facebook VFW National VFW Store National Auxiliary Site

VOICE OF DEMOCRACY

DONATE TO THE VFW

Our programs support our service members while they are on the front line, as they are being discharged and long after they return. Your tax-deductible donation will be immediately directed to the VFW programs where your support is most urgently needed.

Address 171 Jersey St, Bldg 5 2nd Floor Trenton NJ, NJ 08611 Contact Us via Email Phone: 609-393-1929 Fax: 609-393-3031

Office Staff:

Menu Home About Programs Resources News Contact Members Only

Links Site Admin Webmail Follow on Facebook VFW National VFW Store National Auxiliary Site

Available Youth Programs:

Patriot's pen (grades 6-8th), voice of democracy (grades 9-12th), teacher of the year, patriot's pen scholarship program.

Patriot's Pen Program Grades 6th, 7th & 8th

Conducted nationwide, this VFW-sponsored youth essay competition gives students an opportunity to write essays expressing their views on an annual patriotic theme. We invite you to join the more than 84,000 students who participated last year in this contest.

Scholarship Prizes

Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, State and National level. Department (State) winners receive a portion of $55,000 in national awards. National Winners will receive at least $500. The first-place national award is currently $5,000.

How Does the Program Work?

All entries begin at the VFW Post level. The only exception is where schools/classes/youth groups have large numbers of students and wish to conduct their own competition, submitting one winner for each 15 students to the VFW Post. Individual students may submit their entry directly to the Post.

The contest consists of four levels. The first level (entry) is sponsored by VFW Posts. Post winners advance, one for every 15 entries, to the VFW District (regional) level where the one first-place winner is advanced to the VFW Department (state) level. The first-place winner at the Department level is then advanced into the VFW national competition.

Download full list eligibility and other requirements to qualify.

2022-2023 Theme "My Pledge to Our Veterans"

2022-2023 Patriot's Pen Texas VFW Winners

2022-2023 Patriot's Pen 2-6th Winners_Program.jpg

Voice of Democracy Program

Youth scholarships.

Every year thousands of Texas students participate in the VFW Youth Scholarship Programs at the Post, District and National Level competing for more than $1.9 million in scholarship money.

The Patriot’s Pen Contest is a writing essay contest for students in the 6-8th grades or equivalent if home schooled. For entry form, click here .

The Voice of Democracy Contest is an oral essay contest for students in the 9-12th grades or equivalent if home schooled. For entry form, click here .

The Scout of the Year Contest is open to Scouts who have earned a Boy Scout Eagle Award, a Venture Scouting Silver Award or a Sea Scout Quartermaster Award. For more information, click here .

For more information, click here .

Patriot's Pen

Patriot’s pen gives 6th, 7th and 8th grade students the opportunity to express their opinion on a patriotic theme and improve their writing skills, while they compete for worthwhile awards and prizes. First place winner will receive a $5,000 Savings Bond.

2021-2022 Essay Contest Theme:

"How Can I Be a Good American? "

2021-2022 Texas VFW Patriot's Pen Winner:

Karlie A. Barnes

Whitney Middle School, Whitney, Texas

Post Sponsor: 12176-Whitney

District Sponsor: 29

The 2022-23 Patriot's Pen theme is:

“My Pledge to Our Veterans.”

All student entries must be submitted to a sponsoring local VFW Post by midnight October 31, 2022

Download rules and eligibility requirements here

Voice of Democracy

Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW’s) premier scholarship program. Each year, more than 100,000 high school students compete for more than $2.5 million in scholarships and incentives.Students compete by writing and recording a broadcast script on an annual patriotic theme.

Prizes and scholarships are awarded at the local, district, state and national level. Department (State) winners receive an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. in March to tour the city, meet our nation’s leaders, be honored by the VFW and its Auxiliary and to compete in national awards with the top scholarship being $30,000.

2021-2022 Essay Contest Theme:

"America: Where Do We Go From Here?"

2021-2022 Texas VFW 1st Place Winner:

Felicity J. Roberts

12th Grade | Homeschooled

Southlake, Texas

Sponsored By: District 21, Post 10454 | Grapevine, Texas

$10,000 Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsor: V-Sweeps Scholarship

The 2022-23 Voice of Democracy theme is:

“Why is the Veteran Important?”

All students must be assigned to a sponsoring local VFW Post by midnight October 31, 2022

Scholarships

VFW "VOICE OF DEMOCRACY" AUDIO ESSAY COMPETITION INFORMATION

2021-2022 VFW Voice of Democracy Audio Essay Competition

VFW "VOICE OF DEMOCRACY" AUDIO ESSAY COMPETITION

The 2021-22 theme is: where do we go from here.

DEADLINE: 10/31/21, Midnight [CURRENTLY CLOSED]

The VFW is dedicated to promoting patriotism and investing in our future generation. If you are a democracy-loving high school student interested in a $30,000 college scholarship, this scholarship may be for you.

Voice of Democracy

Established in 1947, our Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay. Each year, nearly 64,500 9-12 grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $2.1 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program.

The national first place winner receives a $30,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school. A complete list of other national scholarships range from $1,000-$16,000, and the first place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins a minimum scholarship of $1,000. Want to apply? Read the rules and eligibility requirements, and download the 2020-2021 entry form application, as all student entries must be submitted to a sponsoring local VFW (Rogers VFW #3031) by midnight, Oct. 31 .

VOICE OF DEMOCRACY

2021-2022 Voice of Democracy Program

"America: Where do we go from here?"

Established in 1947, our Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay. Each year, more than 51,000 9-12 grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $1.9 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program.

The national first place winner receives a $30,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school. A complete list of other national scholarships range from $1,000-$16,000, and the first place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins a minimum scholarship of $1,000 and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. Want to apply? Read the rules and eligibility requirements , and download the 2021-22 entry form application , as all student entries must be submitted to a sponsoring local VFW Post by midnight, Oct. 31 .

- Eligibility-

Ninth (9th), Tenth (10th), Eleventh (11th) and Twelfth (12th) grade students in public, private, parochial and home schools in the State of Michigan. Former first place winners at the State and National level competition or any foreign exchange student are not eligible. Students do not have to be a relative of a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars or its VFW Auxiliary to participate.

- Recording-

Recorded scripts must not be less than THREE (3) minutes nor longer than FIVE (5) minutes. A five (5) second variation is acceptable to compensate for the possible deviation in equipment. Scripts MUST be recorded on full size standard FLASH DRIVE OR CD ONLY. Record all on CD’s or a Flash Drive on a single track. Scripts must be recorded without music or background voice. Students must not use their names, the name or location of the sponsoring VFW unit, or the name or location of their school. Recordings must not include any introduction of the script. The only voice on the recording must be that of the student’s. Special consideration may be given for students that are speech challenged upon written request through District to Department. Scripts should be recorded using the best possible equipment available. Post and District Chairmen are responsible for the content and quality of the entry. Every effort should be made to submit the best quality entry possible.

Cassette Tapes are no longer accepted by State or National.

Make certain your CD or Flash Drive plays on another piece of playback equipment other than on the one it was recorded. Make certain your recording has absolutely no background noise whatsoever.

- Posts -

To receive credit for participation in the Voice of Democracy Scholarship Competition, a Post MUST SPONSOR THE PROGRAM IN THEIR COMMUNITY. While it is important to offer the Voice of Democracy Scholarship Program in our schools, it is not solely a program for the schools. You may offer the competition to any ninth, tenth, eleventh or twelfth grade student. Foreign exchange students are not eligible. All entries MUST be submitted directly to the Post. They may be sponsored through local schools, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Church youth groups, Junior ROTC programs, the home schooled, etc. The Post is encouraged to solicit participants from as many sources as possible.

The Post will hold their own judging and may submit to District the number of students permitted by the following breakdown.

Posts may advance as many winners as they select based on the total number of students participating. Post judging is the responsibility of the Post Chairman and must be conducted in accordance with the National Judging Criteria.

The Post may forward each 1st place winning entry to District. Each student entry submitted by a Post to District must be an equal 1st place winner. This means each Post student entry sent to District must receive the same award. For example, a Post has 55 student entries and is eligible to send four entries to District for judging. These four entries must each receive an equal first place award from the Post. If the Post lists them as 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th place, then they can only send in one entry as the 1st place winner.

Single Winner School Option. A teacher working in cooperation with a Post can elect to hold a competition in the school, judge the participants and advance one student entry selected as the school first place winner. The one declared school winner will advance to District as the "School Winner” from each participating school sponsored by the Post.

- Districts -

Each District shall be responsible for the conduct of the program and judging of entries within their District. District Chairmen are expected to promote the expansion of the program by encouraging the participation of additional Posts. It is not always possible to restrict sponsorship strictly along VFW District Boundaries. Posts may solicit student participation from any geographical area within the State of Michigan as long as they do not interfere with the sponsorship of other Posts. District Chairmen are expected to assist Posts in the coordination of sponsorship of all schools in their District. It is unacceptable that a school is not contacted.

Each District may submit only one entry to the Department for judging. This entry must be certified on the proper National Entry Form by the District Chairman to be the District First Place Winner of the District Program judging.

The following items MUST accompany the District entry to Department for judging.

It is the responsibility of the District Chairman to ensure that all materials are included. Any entry that does not include all materials may not be judged.

- Reporting -

To obtain program credit the Post Chairman portion of the Student Entry Form must be completed and submitted to District with each Post entry. The form must include the number of students participating from the school and the approximate cost for the program and awards for that school. Proper credit cannot be given without this information. District Chairmen are required to prepare and submit a consolidated report of Post participation within their District using the District Report Form and the District Summary Form. These reports must accompany the District entry to Department.

- Deadlines -

Deadline for Post sponsored program entries is October 31, 2021.

Post judging may not be held before November 1, 2021 and must be completed in time to ensure that winning entries are delivered to the District Chairmen by November 15, 2021 .

District judging may not be held before November 16, 2021 and must be completed in time to ensure that the winning entry with all required materials are in the hands of the Department Chairman by December 7, 2021 . District judging is the responsibility of the District Chairman to be conducted in accordance with the National Judging Criteria.

The Department deadline for District entries is December 7, 2021 . This deadline is ABSOLUTE and it includes all paper work. Department judging will be closed and will be the responsibility of the Department Committee. Be advised that the state judging will be attended only by the VFW Department Committee Members, VFW State Auxiliary Committee Members and the State Judges. The Committee has the sole authority to disqualify from the Department judging any entry which is in violation of the rules as stated in the Department Program and the National Program booklet.

All Post and District awards are the responsibility of those organizations.

Department awards will be presented at the 2022 Department of Michigan Mid-Winter Conference. All District winners are expected to be present. Each District must assume the cost of their winner’s transportation, meals and lodging. Department will provide each District winner one banquet ticket. Banquet tickets for family members and other guests are the sole responsibility of the District in cooperation with the sponsoring Post.

Address 24222 W. Nine Mile Rd. Southfield, MI 48033 Contact Us via Email Phone: 248-971-5844

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IMAGES

VFW Names Winners In 2020 Voice Of Democracy Essay Contest
Winning ‘Voice of Democracy’essays published
Bremen HS's Ostrowsky Named 2017 Voice of Democracy Essay Contest Winner
Voice of Democracy
Voice of Democracy Essay Contest
Voice of Democracy First Place Winning Essay

VIDEO

How to say DEMOCRACY?
Assessing Democracy 7
Assessing Democracy 5
Voice of Democracy Assembly November, 2019
Assessing Democracy 10
Assessing Democracy 11

COMMENTS

Voice of Democracy winning essays
Voice of Democracy winning essays By Courtesy Story | November 17, 2021 at 7:26 a.m. AMERICA'S FAILING ECONOMY By Alex Galindo Nowadays many things are going wrong, but one thing that personally affects Americans everywhere is the problem with the economy. The issue is very bad and may affect all Americans in the long and short run.
2021 Virtual Parade of Winners
2021 Virtual Parade of Winners Every year, nearly 230,000 of our nation's youth compete in the VFW's Voice of Democracy and Patriot's Pen audio essay competitions for their chance to win a portion of more than $3 million in college scholarships and awards.
Edgemont student submits winning essay in 'Voice of Democracy'
At halftime of a basketball game last month, Bill Barlow presented Amy Printz with a $300 award for her winning essay submitted for the Voice of Democracy contest through the Custer Veterans of Foreign Wars organization. This year's theme was, "Is This the Country the Founders Envisioned?". EDGEMONT - Amy Printz, a 10th-grader at ...
District Announces 2021 Voice of Democracy Essay Contest Winners
Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars' (VFW's) premier scholarship program. Each year, nearly 57,000 high school students compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme.
VFW's 2021-2022 Voice of Democracy and Patriots Pen Essay Contest…
Erin Stoeckig, a high school junior from Mayo High School in Rochester, Minnesota, was named the 2020-2021 Voice of Democracy first-place winner. Erin's speech on the theme, "Is This the Country the Founders Envisioned?" won her a $30,000 college scholarship. Erin was sponsored by VFW Post 1215 and its Auxiliary in Rochester, Minnesota.
Voice of Democracy
Voice of Democracy. You may think that your vote doesn't matter; that speaking up for what you believe in would be like throwing a pebble in an ocean. It may make a small splash, but it wouldn't affect the direction of the waves. But one voice joined together with others can create a tremendous change. One vote can be the deciding factor in ...
VFW Voice of Democracy Essays
VFW Voice of Democracy Essays. Established in 1947, the Veterans of Foreign Wars' Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves regarding a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay. Each year, nearly 64,500 9-12 grade students from across the country enter to win ...
Voice of Democracy
Voice of Democracy - 2022-2023 Theme: "Why is the Veteran Important?" Established in 1947, our Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay.
2022 Virtual Parade of Winners
Daniela Mare, a junior at Sachem High School North in Lake Ronkonkoma, New York, was named the 2021-2022 Voice of Democracy first place winner. Daniela's speech on the theme, "America: Where Do We Go from Here?" won her a $30,000 college scholarship. Daniela was sponsored by VFW Post 9486 and its Auxiliary in Centereach, New York.
2020-2021 Voice of Democracy First Place Winner Erin Stoeckig
2020-2021 Voice of Democracy First Place Winner Erin Stoeckig Veterans of Foreign Wars 8.32K subscribers Subscribe 215 Share 17K views 1 year ago Celebrating its 74th year, the Voice of...
Voice of Democracy
Voice of Democracy (High School Essay Contest)- Invites students grades 9-12 to express themselves about democratic ideas and principles. The District winners will attend a banquet for VFW student scholarships in January where the top five essays are recognized and monetary prizes are awarded.
Voice Of Democracy
Voice of Democracy. Established in 1947, our Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay. Each year, nearly 64,500 9-12 grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $2 million ...
Voice of Democracy
The 2022 Student Entry Deadline is October 31, 2021. Click below to download the rules & eligibility and the Student Entry Form. Rules & Eligibility: Student Entry Form: Patriotic Audio Essay Competition Grand Prize: $30,000 Scholarship. WI VFW INVESTS OVER $70,000 IN PATRIOTIC YOUTH ESSAY PROGRAMS! MORE THAN 5,400 STUDENTS COMPETE FOR AWARDS ...
Voice of Democracy
November 8, 2021, The Brainerd VFW 2021-2022 Voice of Democracy competition first place winner, Jagger Klecatsky. $300.00. His speech: As cities, states, the country, and the people, we must become more unified. In America, we must learn to work together, be more inclusive, focus on the well-being of the citizens, and be open-minded.
Voice of Democracy
2021-2022 Voice of Democracy First Place Winner Daniela Mare Congratulations to the NJ State VFW 2022-2023 1st Place Winner Kavya Venkatesan District 8 Post 7508 Audio Essay: Click Here What is the Voice of Democracy Program? Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars' (VFW's) premier scholarship program.
Texas VFW
The Voice of Democracy Contest is an oral essay contest for students in the 9-12th grades or equivalent if home schooled. For entry form, click here. ... 2021-22 Patriot's Pen Winning Essay. The 2022-23 Patriot's Pen theme is: "My Pledge to Our Veterans." ...
Scholarships / VFW "VOICE OF DEMOCRACY" AUDIO ESSAY COMPETITION
Voice of Democracy. Established in 1947, our Voice of Democracy. The national first place winner receives a $30,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient's American university, college or vocational/technical school. A complete list of other national scholarships range from $1,000-$16,000, and the first place winner from each VFW ...
Voice of Democracy
2021-2022 Voice of Democracy Program "America: Where do we go from here?" The VFW is dedicated to promoting patriotism and investing in our future generation. If you are a democracy-loving high school student interested in a $30,000 college scholarship or a patriotic middle school student interested in winning $5,000, these scholarships may be ...