By Staff
special to The Star
Oct. 16, 2003
The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 79 has announced the kickoff of this year's VFW and its Ladies Auxiliary "Voice of Democracy Scholarship Competition."
High school students in the Meridian area can compete in the 57th annual audio essay competition and win thousands of dollars in scholarships, a trip to Washington and dozens of other awards.
Students begin by competing at the local VFW Post level. Post winners advance to district competition. District winners then compete in the statewide competition.
The Mississippi winner along with winners from other states, the Pacific area, Latin America/Caribbean and Europe will enjoy a four-day tour of Washington.
During the 57 years the VFW and its Ladies Auxiliary have been involved with the Voice of Democracy, more than 7 million school students have participated.
Students compete by writing, and then recording, a three- to five-minute audio essay expressing their views on this year's patriotic theme "My Commitment to America's Future."
All state winners receive at least a $1,000 national scholarship. Anyone one of them could win the $25,000 first place award.
A total of $143,500 in national scholarships are awarded to student national finalists in addition to the scholarships and awards given at the preliminary levels of competition.
The deadline for student entry is Nov. 1.
Interested students should contact their school administration for information to enter the contest. They also can visit the VFW Web site, www.vfw.org, or call George Chatham at 485-3241.