Local high school student could win a trip to Washington, DC, and a $30,000 scholarship

[August 17, 2012]  SPRINGFIELD -- Local high school students have the opportunity to compete for thousands of dollars in scholarships and a trip to Washington, D.C., through the Voice of Democracy essay competition sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars and its Ladies Auxiliary.

Commander Joseph Stachon of the VFW Department of Illinois announced the kickoff this week of the 66th year of the scholarship program.

Students begin by competing at the local VFW post level, with a deadline of Nov. 1.

Post winners advance to district, and then the first-place district winner advances to the state competition. All state winners receive a four-day trip to Washington, D.C. A total of $152,000 is awarded to national finalists. First place is $30,000.

Annually the VFW provides more than $2.3 million in scholarships. Each year, around 50,000 students participate in the competition.

This is the theme for 2012-2013: "Is Our Constitution Still Relevant?" Using that theme, students must write and record a three- to five-minute essay on an audio cassette tape or audio CD and present their recording, typed essay and entry form at their local VFW post. Interested students and teachers should contact the nearest Veterans of Foreign Wars post or email [e-mail] for further information.

For details, visit http://www.vfw.org/Community/
Voice-of-Democracy/.

[Text from file received from VFW Department of Illinois]