VOICE OF DEMOCRACY (VOD)

The 2026-2027 contest is open!  
 
Under VFW’s Youth and Education umbrella, VFW hosts an annual oral-written essay contest for high school students. It’s a great opportunity to exercise critical thinking, presentation, and writing skills!  
 
2026 THEME:
"What a Veteran Taught Me About America." 
 
WHO CAN ENTER: 
VOD is open to students in grades 9-12 enrolled in a public, private, parochial high school, or home study program. 
  
APPLICATION:
  • Prepare your original essay; use of AI is strictly prohibited.
  • Applications must be submitted online via the website called Scholars App. 
  • For more info, click here: Scholars App
DUE DATE: October 31, 2026  
 
DUE DATE:
October 31, 2026
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POINT OF CONTACT:
Suzzie Thomas
US Army Veteran
suzzie.thomas@gmail.com
cell: 805.535.9839
 
Flyer
To download the flyer below,