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Officers of VFW Post 2166 in Elizabethton recently recognized 12 students from Elizabethton High School who participated in the 2024-2025 Voice of Democracy Audio-Essay Scholarship Contest. Annually, students in ninth, 10th, and 11th grades are eligible to submit their audio-recorded essays for the VFW Voice of Democracy contest.

This year’s theme was “Is America Today Our Forefathers’ Vision?” In addition to certificates, a total of $175 in cash awards were presented to the winners. In November, one winner for every 15 post entries advances to the district level and potentially the state and national levels.

Established in 1947, the Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students with a unique opportunity to express themselves through a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay. Each year, nearly 25,000 ninth- through 12th-grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $1 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program.

The national first-place winner receives a $35,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college, or vocational/technical school. While post and regional awards may vary, the first three winners from VFW Tennessee receive $1,500, $1,000, or $500 scholarships, with the top winner earning an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., for the awards presentation.

Next year’s 2025-26 theme will be announced in March 2025, and interested individuals should contact their hometown representative from their local Veterans of Foreign Wars Post.

Locally, Andrea Tucker, a Unicoi County High School student, won first place in the contest, with Cara Carr placing second and Piper Bennett coming in third.