Students can compete by writing a patriotic essay

Since 1947 the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ premier scholarship program. Each year nearly 27,000 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 “What are the greatest attributes of our Democracy?”

Prizes and scholarships are awarded at the VFW Post, district, state and national level. The top national scholarship is $35,000. The chance to compete for the top national scholarship will begin 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 Ohio District 6 competition.

The Voice of Democracy is open to all Tuscarawas County students in ninth grade through 12th grade who are enrolled in a public, private or parochial high school or home study program in Tuscarawas 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 request a copy of the 2023-24 Voice of Democracy application at their local high school guidance counselor’s office. Copies were delivered to all Tuscarawas County high schools including the Buckeye Career Center. Applications also may be picked up at VFW Post 1445 or call the post at 330-364-9973 to request to have an application mailed to you.

To enter, record your original three- to five-minute essay on an audio CD or a flash drive, attach it to a typed copy of the essay and the completed application form, and drop it off or mail it to VFW Post 1445, 441 Park Ave. NW, P.O. Box 605, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.

The entry package must be received at the post no later than 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.