2013-2014 Voice of Democracy Scholarship Competition!!!

Did you know the great American Journalist Charles Kuralt was once a winner of the VFW's Voice of Democracy Scholarship competition?

Watch and listen how this competition made a difference in his life here.

Now, it is YOUR turn!!

Each year, more than 51,000 high school students from across the country enter to win a

share of the $2.2 million in educational scholarships andincentives awarded through the VFW’s Voice of Democracy audio-essay competition.

Knowing that a democratic society needs nurturing, the VFW established the Voice of

Democracy program (VOD) in 1947 to provide students grades 9-12 the opportunity to

express themselves in regards to democratic ideas and principles.

The national first-place winner receives a $30,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s

American university, college or vocational/technical school.

Other national scholarships range from $1,000- $16,000 and the first-place winner from each (State) VFW Department wins an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C.

2013-14 Theme “Why I'm Optimistic About our Nation's Future”

Last year's National-level winner, Elizabeth Scannell, a junior at Berkeley Middle College

was named the 2012 Voice of Democracy 1st Place winner. Elizabeth earned a

$30,000 scholarship with her entry.

Elizabeth was sponsored by VFW Post 10256 and Ladies Auxiliary in Goose Creek South Carolina.

Watch and Listen to her winning entry here.

JUDGING CRITERIA:

Originality is worth 30 points: Treatment of the theme should show imagination and human interest.

Content is worth 35 points: Clearly express your ideas in an organized manner. Fully develop your theme and use transitions to move smoothly from one idea to the other.

Delivery is worth 35 points: Speak in a clear and credible manner.

Application:

Loudoun County VFW Post 1177 will select a winner from Loudoun County to compete in this prestigious competition at the District level.

The winner at the District level will go on to compete at the State and then National level!

The application is available here.

For more information or any questions you may have, please contact the VOD Team at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ATTN: VOD

Applications must be received by November 1st 2013.

Please mail completed application, typed essay and CD to:

VFW Post #1177

Attention: Voice of Democracy

P.O. Box 1933

Leesburg, VA 20177

Loudoun County High school Students and Teachers can find additional information in this flyer.