For high school students, grades 9 through 12, there is the “Voice of Democracy Scholarship Competition.”  This is the 61st annual national audio essay competition in which students can win thousands of dollars in scholarships, a trip to Washington D.C., as well as dozens of other prizes.

Students begin by competing at the local VFW Post level.  Post winners then advance to District and State competitions, respectively.  The State winner will enjoy a four-day tour of Washington D.C., along with winners from every state, the Pacific Areas, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe.

During the 61 years of this competition, more than 7 million high school students have participated.  Students write and then record a three-to-five minute audio essay expressing their views on this year’s theme “My Role in Honoring America’s Veterans.”  National prizes include a $30,000 scholarship.  The deadline for entry is November 1.

For students in grades 6-8, the VFW sponsors the Patriot’s Pen Youth Essay Contest.  This is also a national competition with prizes totaling more than $65,500, including a $10,000 United States Saving Bond.  In addition, state winners receive a trip to Washington, D.C.

Like the high school competition, students begin at the local Post Level and progress to the national competition.  The competition is based on a 300-400 word essay on this year’s theme “Why I Am an American Patriot.”  Like the high school competition, the deadline for entry is November 1.

These competitions are open to any student, including those home-schooled.  For details, contact your school administrators, the Waldoboro Post’s Chairman John Blamey (975-1563 or e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ), or www.vfw.org under “scholarship programs” for details including copies of last years winning entries for both competitions.