New Philadelphia VFW Post 1445 seeks student entries for Voice of Democracy contest

New Philadelphia VFW Post 1445 is inviting Tuscarawas County high school students to enter the 2025-26 Voice of Democracy Scholarship Program.

The patriotic scholarship contest is open to all students in grades nine through 12 who attend public, private or parochial schools, or who are in a home study program in Tuscarawas County.

Prizes and scholarships are awarded at the post, district, state and national levels. At Post 1445, the top three winners will receive $1,500 for first place, $1,000 for second place and $500 for third place. The first-place winner will advance to the Ohio VFW District 6 competition with the chance to compete at the state and national levels. The top national scholarship is $35,000.

Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ premier scholarship program. Nearly 27,000 students enter each year, competing for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives. Students participate by writing and recording a three-minute essay on a patriotic theme.

This year’s theme is “How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support For Our Country?”

How to enter Applications are available from high school guidance counselors, including at Buckeye Career Center. Forms can also be picked up at VFW Post 1445, 441 Park Ave. NW, New Philadelphia, or requested by phone at 330-364-9973.

Entries must include a typed essay, a completed application form and a recording of the three- to five-minute essay on either an audio CD or a flash drive. Packages should be dropped off or mailed to VFW Post 1445, P.O. Box 605, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.

The deadline is the close of business Oct. 31. Late entries or those under the required three minutes will be disqualified.

Students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residency with the intent to become citizens at the earliest opportunity. U.S. citizenship is not required. Ineligible applicants include students age 20 or older, foreign exchange students, previous state first-place winners, and GED or Adult Education students.

For complete rules, consult the application.