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 25,000 9-12 grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $2 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program.
The national first place winner receives a $35,000 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-$21,000, and the first-place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins at least a scholarship of $1,000 and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C.
Department 2023-24 Winners
The 2023-24 Theme: "What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?"
Department of Vermont 1st Place Voice of Democracy Winner sponsored by White River Post 2571, White River Junction, Vermont Hagan Williams
See Hagan's short bio here
For Hagan's winning entry, to read click here, and to hear it, click here
Department of Vermont 2ndPlace Voice of Democracy Winner sponsored by Charles P. DaPrato Post 778, Swanton Vermont Abigail Durkee
See Abigail's short bio here
Department of Vermont 3rd Voice of Democracy winner sponsored by Brown Johnson Post 792, Montpelier Vermont Chen Chen MacVicar-Ceckler
See Chen Chen's short bio here
