Kelsey Woo, a senior at Harvard-Westlake School was named the 2011 Voice of Democracy 1st-place winner. Her speech on the theme "Does My Generation Have a Role in America’s Future?" won her a $30,000 college scholarship.
WHO CAN ENTER:
The Voice of Democracy Program is open to students in grades 9-12, 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:
Students should first draft their essay based on the 2011-2012 theme: “Is There Pride in Serving in Our Military?” Students should then record their reading of the draft to a CD. The recording should 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 has created their essay and completed burning the audio version to a CD, they should submit their typed version, CD and the Voice of Democracy entry form to their local participating VFW Post no later than November 1, 2011.
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.
Access Entry Form and Complete Contest Rules
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