Voice of Democracy
The Voice of Democracy is an annual national audio essay contest that is designed to foster patriotism by giving high school students in grades 9 through 12 the opportunity to voice their opinion about their personal obligations as an American and address their responsibility to our country. Created in 1947, the scholarship program annually provides more than $2.5 million in scholarships. Contestants write and record a three to five minute essay on an annual theme.
Each Department's first place winner receives an all-expense-paid trip to
Washington, D.C., plus the opportunity to compete for national scholarships.
The first place national winner receives a $30,000 scholarship. All national
scholarships are paid directly to the American university, college or
Vocational/technical School as selected by the recipient.
All scholarship funding is held at National Headquarters in escrow for ten
years from high school graduation. The funds, which are disbursed as needed,
may be used for tuition, books, laboratory fees or other items relating
specifically to the student's formal education. Clothing, room and board and
pocket money are not considered authorized expenditures.
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Patriotic Pen
Patriot's Pen, a youth essay writing contest, is a nationwide competition that gives students in grades 7 and 8 the opportunity to write essays expressing their views on democracy. Last year, more than 85,000 students participated in the annual contest.
Contestants write a 300-400 word essay based on an annual patriotic theme. The first place winner receives a $10,000 savings bond and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington D.C. The top 20 national winners each receive a savings bond anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000.
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Education Teachers' Award
The VFW's National Citizenship Education Teachers' Award recognizes the nation's top elementary, junior high and high school teachers who teach citizenship education topics regularly and promote America's history and traditions. Nearly 1,000 teachers are nominated from every state, the District of Columbia and overseas. Fellow teachers, supervisors or other interested individuals can submit nominations
Information from National
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