‘Voice of Democracy’, Patriot’s Pen

The Veterans of Foreign Wars and its Ladies Auxiliary are taking entries for their annual “Voice of Democracy” and Patriot’s Pen scholarship contests for 2010-2011.

The VOD is an audio essay competition open to students under 19 in grades 9-12. Contestants must submit a three to five minute original recorded essay on a standard audio cassette or compact disc. This year’s theme is “Does My Generation Have a Role in America’s Future.”

The Patriot’s Pen contest is open to students in sixth through eighth grades. Entrants are required to submit a 300-400 word typed essay. The theme is “Does Patriotism Still Matter?”

Homeschooled students are eligible for both contests, but foreign exchanged students are excluded.

Individual entries must be submitted directly to a local VFW Post. In cases where schools/classes/youth groups have a large number of students and wish to conduct their own competition, on winner for each 15 students will be submitted. All entries must be received no later than midnight November 1, 2010.

Local, district, and state winners receive prizes/awards. State winners receive an all expense paid four-day trip to Washington, D.C., March 5-9, sponsored by Target. The National VOD contest top prize is a $30,000 Scholarship. The Patriots Pen National winner receives a $10,000 U.S. Savings Bond.

For entry forms and more information, contact VFW Post #12046 Commander Bill Sellers Jr. at 482-4755 or 272-6084 or at wsellers@ymail.com or visit www.vfw.org.