Voice of Democracy scholarship

Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW’s) 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 a three-minute essay on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is, “Is America Today Our Forefathers’ Vision?”

Prizes and scholarships are awarded at the VFW Post, District, State and National level. Your chance to compete for the top national scholarship begins at New Philadelphia VFW Post 1445. The top three entries at Post 1445 will be awarded scholarships of $1,500.00 for first place, $1,000.00 for second place and $500.00 for third place. The first-place winning entry can advance to the Ohio District 6 competition for a chance to win additional scholarships and possibly go on to compete in the state and national competition. The top national scholarship is $35,000.00.

The Voice of Democracy Scholarship Program is open to all high school students in grades 9-12, 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 intends to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. Students aged 20 or over, foreign exchange students, previous Voice of Democracy first place state winners, 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 2024-2025 Voice of Democracy application at their local high school guidance counselor’s office. Applications were hand delivered to all Tuscarawas County High Schools, including the Buckeye Career Center. Applications may also be picked up at VFW Post 1445 or by calling the Post at 330-364-9973 and request to have an application mailed to you. To enter, record your original 3-5 minute (+/– 5 seconds max.) 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 Avenue NW, PO Box 605, New Philadelphia OH 44663. The entry package must be received at the Post no later than close of business October 31, 2024. Entries received after October 31, 2024 and entries that fail to meet the minimum 3-minute audio essay recorded time will be disqualified.