Commander Clarence Tovar of the veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 447 recently announced the kick-off of this year’s VFW and its ladies auxiliary Voice of Democracy Scholarship competition. High school students in the area have the opportunity to compete in the annual audio essay competition and win thousands of dollars in scholarships, a trip to Washington D.C., as well as dozens of other awards.

Students begin by competing at the post level. Deadline for entries is Nov. 1.

Post winners advance to district and have the chance to advance to state. The state winner will receive a four day tour of Washington D.C.

More than 7 million high school students have participated in the Voice of Democracy program since it began over 60 years ago. Students compete by writing and then recording a 3 to 5 minute audio essay expressing their views of this year’s patriotic theme, My Responsibility to America.

All state winners receive at least a $1,000 national scholarship and are eligible to win the $30,000 first place award. A total of $146,000 in national scholarships are awarded to national finalists in addition to the scholarships and awards given at the preliminary levels of competition.

For more information, contact the Voice of Democracy Chairman Marilyn Danielsen at 507-402-7080.