Bay County Students Advance In VFW Patriotism Contest For Young Voices

BAY COUNTY, FL - Veterans of Foreign Wars, VFW, is dedicated to promoting patriotism and investing in the future generation. Patriotic students in grades 6 through 12 from Bay County interested entered two separate contests at their local posts. The District 17 winners have been announced and their entries will advance to the Department round of the contest.

Voice of Democracy – Winners from District 17

1. James M. Brown, JR Arnold High School, Post 12046

2. Dominic A.M. Cicero, Deane Bozeman High School, Post 8205

3. Sheridan M. Jacob, Bay High School, Post 10555

Established in 1947, the Voice of Democracy program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in a patriotic-themed, recorded essay. Last year, nearly 27,000 students in grades 9 through 12 participated in the contest. The top three prizes were $35,000, $21,000 and $15,000 with many other prizes awarded.

Students competed in this year’s contest by writing and recording an audio essay on this year’s patriotic theme, “How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?”

Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, Department and national level. Department winners receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., to tour the city, to be honored by VFW and VFW Auxiliary, and to receive their portion of national awards, to be paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school.

Patriot's Pen – Winners from District 17

1. Sawyer Q. Bryan, Holy Nativity Episcopal School, Post 10555

2. Leylah M. Allen, Florida Virtual, Post 12046

3. Riley E. Kincaid, North Bay Haven Middle School, Post 2185

Last year, nearly 62,000 students in grades 6 through 8 entered VFW’s Patriot’s Pen youth essay contest. This year’s patriotic theme is, "How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?” Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, Department and national level. Department winners receive a portion of $55,000 in national awards with the first-place winner receiving $5,000!

The essay contest encourages young minds to examine America’s history, along with their own experiences in modern American society, by drafting a 300- to 400-word essay, expressing their views based on the chosen patriotic theme.

Mark McQueen, Superintendent of Bay District Schools commented, "Congratulations to these outstanding students for representing Bay County with pride. We are incredibly proud of the way our students step up to share their voices and love for our country. Opportunities like the VFW’s Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen help grow future leaders and inspire excellence. Thank you to the VFW for investing in our students and our future.”

For more information - Email: youthscholarships@vfw.org or Call: 816-968-2787.

https://www.vfw.org/community/youth-and-education/youth-scholarships