•July 12, 2017•

Illinois Veterans of Foreign Wars State Commander Jeffrey Hastings announced the kick-off of this year’s VFW’s Voice of Democracy Scholarship competition. Illinois high school students have the opportunity to compete for thousands of dollars in scholarships and a trip to Washington, D.C.

Students must write and record a three-to-five minute essay on the selected theme using an audio CD or flash drive and present their recording, typed essay and completed entry form to their local VFW Post by October 31. The 2017-18 theme selected is “American History: Our Hope for the Future.” Students begin by competing at the local Post level, then Post winners compete at the district level with the winner advancing to the state competition.

All state first-place winners receive a four day trip to Washington, D.C. and the chance to compete for their share of more than $150,000 in scholarships. The first-place winner receives a $30,000 college scholarship.

Interested students and teachers should contact the Voice of Democracy Chairman at your local VFW Post or the Illinois State Voice of Democracy Director Robert McLeod by phone at (708) 363-7462 or email at rock76@yahoo.com for more information.

For details visit: www.vfw.org/VOD.