October 31, is the deadline for the annual Veterans of Foreign Wars of the Fletcher-Wittenborn Post 9106, and their Auxiliary, for students to submit their scholarship essays and applications to the local post. All students from 3rd grade through high school are encouraged to enter.

There are three separate divisions. For third, fourth and fifth grades the length is not to exceed 250 words on this year’s theme: “How the American Flag makes me feel?” For sixth, seventh and eighth grades, the theme is: “Why I Honor the American Flag.” For this age group, the essay must be 300 to 400 words and typewritten. All essays should focus on the titles announced for their grade level.

Local high school students (Grades 9 -12) 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 the VFW. The 2018-2019 theme selected is “Why My Vote Counts” Students begin by competing at the local Post level, and 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.

The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) started the Voice of Democracy Scholarship program in 1947. The VFW became a national sponsor in the late 1950s and assumed sole responsibility for the program in 1961. The competition was created to provide students grades 9-12 the opportunity to express themselves in regard to democratic ideas and principles. Around 40,000 students participate in the competition each year and VFW awards more than $2.1 million in educational scholarships every year.

All essays become the property of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and will not be returned to the student. This program is completely voluntary. An interested student is not required to go through their school to participate. Essays and entry forms, signed by a parent or guardian, must be submitted by the deadline or they will be ineligible. Cash prizes are awarded to the first place winners of each group locally, at the District, State, and National levels.

Any student, including home school students, from the Forks, Clallam Bay or Neah Bay area may enter the program by contacting the Scholarship Chairman by phone at 360-640-1401 or email the Post at tuffyhughes@gmail.com for more information.