Small Town News

Voice of Democracy and Patriots Pen contests open to students

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Voice of Democracy

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6454 and Ladies Auxiliary are sponsoring the Voice of Democracy competition at Petersburg High School. Retired teacher, JoAnn Harman will be assisting with the program.

Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the VpW's premier scholarship program. Each year, more than 100,000 students compete for over $25 million in scholarships and incentives which are awarded at the local, district, state and national levels. State winners receive a scholarship, an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. to tour the city, meet our nation's leaders, be honored by the VFW and Ladies Auxiliary and receive their portion of $149,000 in national awards, the top scholarship being $30,000. In addition, all state winners receive a trip in June to renew friendships and to learn more about American history.

The Voice fo Democracy Contest is open to students 9-12, who are enrolled in a public, private or parochial high school or home study. The students are judged on originality, content and delivery. This year, the theme is "Does America still have heroes?" Essays must be three to five minutes and recorded on a standard cassette tape or CD. All students' entries must be received by the VFW Post 6454 or Ladies Auxiliary by Nov. 1.

Patriot's Pen Contest

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6454 and Ladies Auxiliary are sponsoring the Patriot's Pen contest for students in grades 6-8 using the theme "When is the right time to honor our military heroes?"

All essays must be submitted to the VFW Post or Ladies Auxiliary by Nov. 1. The length of the essay is 300 to 400 words and they must write their own essay. Every word is counted regardless of length, excluding the title.

Conducted nationwide, this VFW-sponsored youth essay competition gives students an opportunity to write essays expressing their reviews on democracy with the prospect of winning U.S. savings bonds. The National Association of Secondary School principals has again approved this contest for its National List of Contest and Activities.

Prizes are awarded on the local, state and national level. The top 45 national winners all receive at least a $1,000 savings bond. The first-place award is a $10,000 savings bond, plus an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. for the winner and a parent or guardian.

For additional information, on either contest, contact youth chairman Susie Scott at 304-851-1636 or Eleanor Dawson at 304-257-9082.



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© 2009 Grant County Press Petersburg, West Virginia. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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