VOICE OF DEMOCRACYSince 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW’s) premier scholarship program. Each year, nearly 26,000 high school students compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is, "How Are You Showing Patriotism And Support For Our Country?”PATRIOT'S PENConducted nationwide, this VFW-sponsored youth essay competition gives students an opportunity to write essays expressing their views on an annual patriotic theme. We invite you to join the more than 60,000 students who participated last year in this contest. 2025-2026 Theme "How Are You Showing Patriotism And Support For Our Country?”
TEACHER OF THE YEARWho Is Eligible? Teachers who promote civic responsibility, flag etiquette and patriotism are prime candidates for this award. For example, do you know a teacher who plans field trips to city hall or organizes community volunteer projects? Maybe you know an instructor who invites veterans into the classroom to discuss their military experiences. Perhaps you are familiar with a teacher who fosters the development of democratic values and beliefs through special projects. If you know of such a teacher, honor him or her today!
Smart/Maher Citizenship Education Teacher Award:
- October 31st - Entries to the Post
- November 15th - Completion of Post judging (Post submit to District)
- December 15th - Completion of District judging (District submit to Dept)
- February 1st - Department winners and reports due to National (to guarantee receipt for Department Convention presentation)
Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen:
- October 31st - Entries to the Post
- November 15th - Completion of Post judging (Post submit to District)
- December 15th - Completion of District judging (District submit to Dept)
- January 10th - Completion of Department judging)
- January 15th - District participation reports due to Department Chairmen
- January 15th - Department winners due to National
- January 31st - Department reports due to National
Scout of the Year:
- March 1st - Entries to the Post
- April 1st - Post entries to Department Scouting Chairman or Department HQs
- May 1st - Department entry to National from Department Scouting Chairman or Department HQs
- February 1st - Department winners and reports due to National (to guarantee receipt for Department Convention presentation)
- https://vfwnc.com/di/vfw/v2/default.asp?pid=135310
Buddy Poppy - King & Queen / Prince & Princess:
- April 1st - All entries submitted from District to Dept Chairman
- https://vfwnc.com/di/vfw/v2/default.asp?pid=5694
If you have any questions, please reach out to our Program Chairperson, Scott Seddon at (757) 348-1341 or vod@ncvfw.org
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to supporting those who sacrifice so much for this country, veterans, service members in the US Armed Forces, and their families and continues to be a voice for returning and currently deployed service members and their families.
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