TOPSHAM — Last year, the Rev. Lamarre Memorial VFW Post 2197 sponsored state champion Emily Smith in the VFW’s national Voice of Democracy program — the post is hoping for another state champion this year.
Students in the Maine School Administration District 75 area, Brunswick, Lisbon, Durham, Harpswell and Freeport, including those who are home-schooled, may apply.
Each year across the country, more than $3 million dollars in awards and scholarships are presented at local, district, state and national levels. The Voice of Democracy competition is offered for students in grades 9 through 12, and the Patriot’s Pen is offered for students in grades six through eight. The post will select a winner in each category, and sponsor them in district competition.
This year’s topic, “What Makes America Great,” is the same for both programs. The Voice of Democracy is an audio essay, and the Patriot’s Pen is a written essay.
For more information, visit the VFW website, click on community, then on Youth & Education, then on Youth Scholarships. Select either program to see complete rules, and download an entry form. Entries must be submitted locally to the post by Oct 31. Contact the post by email at cha_rogsteve@comcast.net for questions or to submit an entry.
Last year’s winner, Smith, graduated from Mount Ararat High School in June. She was awarded more than $3,000 in cash and scholarships, a new computer and a trip to Washington D. C.
VFW Post 2197 is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping fellow veterans and veterans’ programs as well as the local community. The post actively seeks new membership of those who have served in areas of conflict. For more information, visit Facebook at vfw post 2197 topsham, or contact the post commander by email at cha_rogsteve@comcast.net.
