The 2023-24 theme is:
"What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?"
Criteria
- Record your original 3–5-minute (+ or – 5 second max.) audio essay on a flash drive, or other electronic device. You will submit the recording,
- Typed essay and this completed entry form.
- Provide these items to your school/group competition or VFW Post for judging. You must be the sole author of your essay.
- The recording must be in your own voice and in English. No music, singing, poetry or sound effects are allowed. The body of the essay must not identify you in any way, (including, but not limited to your name, school, city, state, race, or national origin) although the recording & typed essay should be labeled with your name, to show ownership.
- Your Voice of Democracy entry must be submitted to a participating VFW Post by the Oct. 31 deadlines.
Applications and Downloadable Forms Below
- Record your original 3–5-minute (+ or – 5 second max.) audio essay on a flash drive, or other electronic device. You will submit the recording,
- Typed essay and this completed entry form.
- Provide these items to your school/group competition or VFW Post for judging. You must be the sole author of your essay.
- The recording must be in your own voice and in English. No music, singing, poetry or sound effects are allowed. The body of the essay must not identify you in any way, (including, but not limited to your name, school, city, state, race, or national origin) although the recording & typed essay should be labeled with your name, to show ownership.
- Your Voice of Democracy entry must be submitted to a participating VFW Post by the Oct. 31 deadlines.
Applications and Downloadable Forms Below
2023-2024 Official Entry Form
Voice of Democracy Competition
REMEMBER DEADLINE IS OCTOBER 31,2023
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History of VOD
Established in 1947, our Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regard to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay. Each year, more than 51,000 9-12 grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $1.9 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program.
The national first place winner receives a $30,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college, or vocational/technical school. A complete list of other national scholarships ranges from $1,000-$16,000, and the first-place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins a minimum scholarship of $1,000 and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C.
2023-2024 Winners
- Christopher Ford- Bayport/Bluepoint High School
- Dean Badamo- Patchogue-Medford High School
- Joseph Badamo- Patchogue-Medford High School
Congratulations to all the winners!!!
