City Times Staff

Students in grades 9-12 can now show off their writing skills for a chance at a scholarship and a trip to the nation’s capital.

The 2015 Voice of Democracy Scholarship competition is now open through the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). Ron Stoflet, Commander of the Plover VFW announced the contest this week.

To apply, students need to write and record a three-to-five minute essay with the theme “My Vision for America”.  The audio recording needs to be submitted via CD or flash drive, and students also need to complete an entry form. 

The application deadline is November 1, 2015.

Students will compete first at the local level at the Plover VFW before advancing to the state competition. All state first-place winners receive a four-day trip to Washington, D.C. and the chance to compete for their share of more than $150,000 in scholarships. The first-place winner receives a $30,000 college scholarship.

The Voice of Democracy Scholarship program was started in 1947 by the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB). The VFW became a national sponsor in the late 1950’s and assumed sole responsibility for the program in 1961.

The competition was created to provide students in grades 9-12 the opportunity to express themselves in regard to democratic ideas and principles. Approximately 40,000 students participate in the competition each year and VFW awards more than $2 million in scholarships every year.

For more information contact competition Chairman Joe Cahill of Plover VFW at [email protected] or call the Plover VFW at (715) 341-8414.

More details on the competition can be found at http://www.vfw.org/VOD.