VFW POST 2503

 2010 - 2011

VOICE OF DEMOCRACY

Voice of Democracy Scholarship Competition

The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) started the Voice of Democracy Scholarship Competition in 1946. The Veterans of Foreign Wars became a national sponsor in the late 1950s and assumed sole responsibility for the program in 1961. Many notables have participated in the Voice of Democracy including journalist Charles Kuralt, Miss America Anita Bryant and U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft. During the past 5 years, VFW Post 2503 has had 2 VOD competitors reach the National level.  One received  the 14th place scholarship award and the other garnered the 5th place scholarship award.

The Voice of Democracy competition provides high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors the opportunity to write and record a broadcast script on a patriotic theme, competing for more than $2.5 million in college scholarships and incentives.  State winners receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. to enjoy our nation's capital and compete for $149,000 in scholarships, first place receiving a $30,000 scholarship. Every year, hundreds of thousands of students participate in the Voice of Democracy Scholarship Competition and the Patriot's Pen Essay Contest, garnering more than $3.4 million in scholarships and incentives.

Besides the VFW's outstanding scholarship programs, Posts and Auxiliaries across the nation work with youth in scouting, sports, ROTC and military cadet programs. By providing leaders, funding, sponsorships and other resources, the VFW and its Auxiliaries encourage millions of America's young adults to higher ideals and greater personal achievement.

2010-2011 Theme
"Does My Generation Have a Role in America's Future?"
Entry Deadline
Nov. 1, 2010

Created in 1947, the Voice of Democracy (VOD) scholarship program is an audio-essay contest for high school students in grades 9-12 that annually provides more than $3 million in scholarships. The first-place winner, who competes with all the first-place VFW Department winners, receives a $30,000 scholarship that is paid directly to the recipient's American university, college or vocational/technical school.

The National Association of Secondary School Principals has placed this program on the NASSP National Advisory List of Contests and Activities for 2009-2010. The Voice of Democracy program is designed to foster patriotism by allowing students the opportunity to voice their opinion in a three to five minute essay based on an annual theme.

How to Enter:
Students can enter by submitting the required entry form  (see contact information at bottom of this page), along with their essay and recording to a local VFW Post. Mail entry form and audio essay to the local VFW post. Further directions are listed on the entry form. Note: Current 2010 high school seniors are ineligible.

*Historically, the theme (annually chosen by the VFW commander-in-chief) is purposely kept broad in scope to allow the participant flexibility in interpretation to encourage originality. Since the VFW is a patriotic organization, the annual theme always will be related to patriotism.

For students in those schools sponsored by VFW Post 2503 you may obtain assistance by sending an e-mail to voice_of_democracy@vfwpost2503.org. 

VFW POST 2503

2010 - 2011

PATRIOT'S PEN

Patriot's Pen, a youth essay writing contest is a nationwide competition that provides 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.  Annually more than 115,000 students participate in the contest.  Awards are given at the local, district, and state levels. The state winners compete for $91,000 in U.S. Savings bonds at the national level. The national winner receives a $10,000 U.S. Savings Bond and an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington D.C. where they tour the city. 

2010-2011 Theme
"Does Patriotism Still Matter?"
Entry Deadline
Nov. 1, 2010

Patriot's Pen, a youth-essay writing contest is a nationwide competition that gives students in grades 6,7 and 8 the opportunity to write essays expressing their views on democracy. Annually, more than 115,000 students participate in the contest.

The National Association of Secondary School Principals has placed this program on the NASSP National Advisory List of Contests and Activities for 2009-2010. The Patriot's Pen program is designed to foster patriotism by allowing students the opportunity to express their opinions based on an annual theme.