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Danny Dietz Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 322

Audio Essay Contest

Voice of Democracy Scholarship

Students grade 9-12

2026-27 theme: "What a Veteran Taught Me About America.”

Record your original 3-5 minute audio in MP3 format (no videos) on electronic device. You will submit the recording, a typed essay and this completed entry form.

1^st Place Winner $300, 2^nd 3^rd Place Winner $100

Deadline October 26, 2026

The national first-place winner receives a $35,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school. Other national scholarships range from $1,000-$21,000, and the first-place winner from Colorado wins a minimum scholarship of $1,000 and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. to meet and other state first place winners in the national competition. The all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. includes four fun-filled days of tours, visits to monuments, meeting with heads of state and often the President or Vice President of the United States. The National Judging is held in Washington, D.C. prior to the students' arrival and the winners are announced at a special reception in their honor. In June, each state winner is invited to the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge Freedom and Leadership Youth Conference. The three-day conference allows participating students the opportunity to converse with experts on current issues of citizenship, tour the Philadelphia and Valley Forge historic sites and participate in seminars designed to develop leadership skills and understand the value of community service. The foundations of American democracy and the elements of the free enterprise system will also be explored through thought provoking lectures and workshops.

https://www.vfw.org/community/youth-and-education/youth-scholarships

***Call or email for questions, information or apply:***

Adam Donahue, VFW Post 322, Senior Vice Commander,