VOICE OF DEMOCRACY

VOICE OF DEMOCRACY

 

National VFW’s 

Youth Scholarships Essay Contest  

 

2026-2027 theme is:

"What A Veteran Taught Me About America"

Youth (grades 9-12) Scholarship of $35,000
A short explanation

Essay deadline Oct. 31, 2026

Click here for: Enrollment Information & Form

Return entrees to Keith McGlaughlin and/or Eric Lopez

at 41614 W Smith Enke Rd., Suite 110, Maricopa, AZ 85139

 

 

 

 

 



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2023-2024 theme is: "What Are the Greatest Attributes of our Democracy?"

The grades 9-12 in Maricopa schools had 27 entries
for the VFW's Voice of Democracy youth essay contest.

The three top winners are: 1st Place Bradley Lanier; 2nd Place Ruby Hearn; 3rd Place Elijah Clay


No Picture for Ruby Hearn

DISTRICT WINNER - RUBY HEARN

Ruby also won in the District #10 contest and will represent the City of Maricopa in the State contest.

VOICE OF DEMOCRACY

Established in 1947, our Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay. Each year, nearly 40,000 9-12 grade students from across the country enter to win their share of $2.1 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program.
 
The national first-place winner receives a $30,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school. A complete list of other national scholarships range from $1,000-$16,000, and the first-place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins a minimum scholarship of $1,000 and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. Want to apply? Read the rules and eligibility requirements and download the entry form and brochure before you submit your entry at your local VFW Post.
 
For submissions to VFW Post 12043 contact Keith McGlaughlin at 520-233-2400 (option 1) or Qm@vfw12043.org Voice of Democracy Application 2022-2023 theme is: "Why is the Veteran Important?"
 
Thank you to all who participated.