Scholarship Competition

The VFW National Voice of Democracy competition provides

high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors

the opportunity to write and record a 3-5 minute broadcast

script on a patriotic theme, competing for more than

$2.3 million in college scholarships and incentives.

State winners receive an all-expenses-paid trip to

Washington, D.C. to enjoy our nation’s capital and

compete for $152,000 in scholarships—first place

receiving a $30,000 scholarship.

Smithtown VFW Post 10870 sponsors the competition locally every year and has now expanded the program to include Smithtown HS East, Smithtown HS West, and Hauppauge HS. The Post awards scholarships to winners of the competition, as judged by the Post Voice of Democracy committee, and presents Certificates of Achievement to all winners and finalists.

The theme for this year’s essay was “Why Veterans are Important to our Nation’s History and Future”.

This year’s 1st place winner >>>

Daniel S. Smith, Hauppague High School with an overall high score of 668 out of a possible 700.... Daniel’s essay will advance in the National competition to VFW County level judging. [.jpg image and file attached]. An audio file of the essay is available.

Matthew J. Stewart and Ryan L. Scheinberg, both from Smithtown HS West, won second and third place respectively.

Post Service Officer Tom Mooney, who administers the program, said that the participation and support from the schools is really great. Some years have had over 300 students submitting entries.

Contact: Tom Mooney, Smithtown VFW Post 10870 Voice of Democracy Chairman 631 834-4128 <tmoon47@yahoo.com>