Cmdr. Jim Cummins of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post  No. 447 announced the kick-off to this year’s VFW and VFW Auxiliary Voice of Democracy scholarship competition, according to a press release.

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 local post level. Deadline for entries is Oct. 31. Post winners advance to the district level and district winners go on to compete at the state level. The state winner will receive a four-day tour of D.C. along with the winners from every state, the District of Columbia, the Pacific areas, Latin America/Caribbean and Europe.

During the more than 60 years the VFW and its ladies auxiliary have been involved with Voice of Democracy, more than 7 million high school students have participated. Students compete by writing and then recording a three- to five-minute audio essay expressing their views of this year’s patriotic theme, “Why My Vote Matters.”

All state winners receive at least a $1,000 national scholarship, but any one of them could 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.

Local prizes will also be awarded including $150 for first place, $75 for second place and $25 for third place.

Interested students and teachers should contact Voice of Democracy Chairwoman Marilyn Danielsen at 507-402-7080 for more information.