Veterans of Foreign Wars Speech-Writing Competition Offers Scholarship Money to Students

By Jim Uhlik

Is there pride in serving in our military?

That’s the question the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9601 is asking all of the 9^th and 12^th grade students in Castro Valley and the surrounding area.

"It all starts at the local level," said chairman Pat Flanagan of VFW Post 9601.

The program is called the "Voice of Democracy," and any student who qualifies has a chance at winning a $30,000 scholarship and other prizes.

The "Voice of Democracy" is a national patriotic speech-writing competition opened to 9th through 12th grades students. To enter the competition, a student must record a short three to five-minute speech expressing their interpretation of the assigned patriotic theme.

At the local level, the VFW is offering a $100 first place prize. For second and third-place-winning students, they will be given a brick in their name in the soon-to-be built which is scheduled for groundbreaking this spring.

Anyone interested in entering the contest or has questions about the contest, please feel free to contact coordinating chairman, Pat Flanagan at 510-459 -6177.

Also if you have any questions or concerns about the Castro Valley Veterans Memorial, please feel free to call Bob Pirone at 510-410-8341.