The VFW and Ladies Auxiliary to the VFW offer a Voice of Democracy oral/essay scholarship which gives the winner an opportunity to win $30,000. The program is open to students in grades 9-12 who are enrolled in a public, private, or home study program in the United States and its territories.
Students must submit a 3-5 minute CD recording based on the theme: “Why I’m Optimistic About our Nation’s Future”. Entries begin at the Post level, with the local winning essay receiving $100. That winner advances to the District level, and the winner of the District advances to the state level. The state winner receives an all expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. to meet the other state winners for the scholarship.
A homeschooled junior from Big Fork, Sarah Hartland, won at the state level last year and advanced to National. She received 3rd place and $10,000. In 2005, the National winner was a homeschooled senior from Billings. He won $30,000. Sidney had the pleasure of a state winner several years ago.
More details and the entry form regarding this essay-scholarship can be found at vfw.org. All entries must be sponsored by the local VFW Post or Ladies Auxiliary. The CD and completed entry form must be at the VFW Club by the deadline of November 1, 2013. The winning essay is on the VFW website.
The Patriot’s Pen essay is open to students in grades 6-8, who are enrolled in a public, private, or home study program in the United States and its territories. The theme of this essay is “What Patriotism Means to Me” and must be 300-400 words in length. The essay and completed entry form must be at the VFW Club by November 1, 2013.
The winner of this essay contest advances to the District level, and then to the State level. The State winner will compete for a $5000 scholarship. More details and the entry form can be found at vfw.org. The winning essay is on the website.
Teachers have the opportunity to compete for recognition and awards from the VFW. Teachers who promote patriotism, civil responsibility, and flag etiquette are prime candidates for the award. The VFW recognized an eighth grade teacher from Will James Junior High school in Billings at the VFW National Convention held in Louisville, in July. Winning teachers receive $1000, $1000 for the school, and an all-expense trip to the VFW National Convention. More information and the entry form can be found at vfw.org.
The local winner will advance to state competition. The entries must be at the VFW Club by November 1, 2013. The local contact person is Margaret Bradley at 433-1818 or 488-4613.
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