Voice of Democracy
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Danielle Hayes, a sophomore at Mercy High School, was named the 2013 Voice of Democracy 1st-place winner.
Her speech on the theme, "Is Our Constitution Still Relevant?" won her a $30,000 college scholarship which she plans to apply toward her college career. Danielle was sponsored by VFW Post 1205 and Ladies Auxiliary in San Francisco, Calif.
YOU TOO CAN WIN $30,000!
WHO CAN ENTER:
The Voice of Democracy Program is open to students in grades 9-12 (on the Nov. 1 deadline), who are enrolled in a public, private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States and its territories.
HOW TO ENTER:
The deadline for submissions for the 2013-2014 program is November 1, 2013. Download the entry form for 2013-2014 here.
The theme for 2013-2014 is: “Why
I'm Optimistic About our Nation’s Future”
Students should record their reading of the draft to a CD. The recording can be no shorter than 3 minutes and no longer than 5 minutes (plus or minus 5 seconds).
Entries begin at the Post level. Once the student creates their essay and completes burning the audio version to a CD, they can submit their typed version, CD and the Voice of Democracy entry form to their local participating VFW Post by the November 1 deadline.
JUDGING CRITERIA:
Originality is worth 30 points: Treatment of the theme should show imagination and human interest
Content is worth 35 points: Clearly express your ideas in an organized manner. Fully develop your theme and use transitions to move smoothly from one idea to the other.
Delivery is worth 35 points: Speak in a clear and credible manner.