Voice of Democracy

Created in 1947, the Voice of Democracy (VOD) scholarship program is an audio-essay contest for high school students in grades 9-12 that annually provides more than $3 million in scholarships nationwide. The first-place winner, who competes with all the first-place VFW Department winners, receives a $30,000 scholarship that is paid directly to the recipient's American university, college or vocational/technical school.

Besides competing for the top scholarship prize, as well as other national scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $16,000, each Department's first-place winner receives an all-expense-paid trip to Washington , D.C.

The VOD program is endorsed by the National Association of Secondary School Principals' contest criteria and is designed to foster patriotism by allowing students the opportunity to voice their opinion in a three to five minute essay based on an annual theme - the 2010-2011 theme is "Does My Generation Have a Role in America's Future?"

Students can enter by submitting the required entry form, along with their essay and recording to VFW Post 5077. For entry form, contact Post 5077 Voice of Democracy Chairman, Jim Mueller, or Pat Vogel of the Ladies Auxiliary. When completed, mail entry form and audio essay to the VFW Post 5077. Further directions are listed on the entry form. The contest is open until 1 November 2010.

Download Voice of Democracy Entry Form (.pdf)

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Patriot's Pen

Patriot's Pen, a youth-essay writing contest endorsed by the National Association of Secondary School Principals' contest criteria, is a nationwide competition that gives students in grades 6,7 and 8 the opportunity to write essays expressing their views on democracy. Annually, more than 115,000 students participate in the contest.

Contestants write a 300-400 word essay based on an annual patriotic theme - the 2010 theme is "When is the Right Time to Honor Our Military Heroes?" The first-place winner receives a $10,000 savings bond and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington D.C. The top national winners each receive a savings bond anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000.

Students can enter by submitting the required entry form, along with their essay, to VFW Post 5077. You may also call the VFW National Programs office during normal business hours at 816-968-1117. For entry form, contact Post 5077, Patriot's Pen Chairman, Jim Mueller, or Pat Vogel of the Ladies Auxiliary. When completed, mail entry form and audio essay to the VFW Post 5077. Further directions are listed on the entry form. The contest is open until 1 November 2010.

Download Patriot's Pen Entry Form (.pdf)

2009-2010 VOD and Patriot's Pen Winners

VFW Scout of the Year Scholarship

The VFW National Scout of the Year Scholarship program provides a $5,000 award to an outstanding scout who is the recipient of a Boy Scout Eagle Award, a Venture Scouting Silver Award or a Sea Scout Quartermaster Award. Second-place winner receives a $3,000 award. Third-place winner receives $1,000.

HOW TO ENTER

Submit entry to VFW Post 5077 no later than March 1, 2011.  VFW Post 5077 will then submit local winner entry to VFW Missouri Department no later than April 1, 2011.  VFW Missouri Department nominees are then submitted to VFW National no later than May 1, 2011.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

·         Be a registered, active member of a Boy Scout Troop, Venturing Crew, or a Sea Scout Ship;

·         Has received the Eagle Scout Award, Venture Silver Award or Sea Scout Quartermaster Award;

·         Has demonstrated practical citizenship in school, scouting and the community;

·         Has reached his/her 15th birthday and is enrolled in high school at the time of selection; and

·         Has submitted his/her completed entry by March 1, 2011, to VFW Post 5077.

Note: All applicants still in high school who reach their 18th birthday during the nomination year remain eligible if otherwise qualified. A scout only can enter through ONE VFW Post.

Download VFW Scouting Scholarship Entry Form (.pdf)