Elizabethton Students Shine in Voice of Democracy Contest
In the bustling city of Elizabethton, a group of bright high school students has recently taken the spotlight for their creativity and patriotism! Staff members from the local VFW Post 2166 took the time to recognize twelve talented students from Elizabethton High School who participated in the thrilling 2024-2025 Voice of Democracy Audio-Essay Scholarship Contest.
Celebrating Young Voices
This annual contest invites students from ninth to eleventh grades to dive deep into democratic themes by crafting and recording their own essays. This year, the theme was thought-provoking: “Is America Today Our Forefathers’ Vision?” With such a powerful topic, participating students had the opportunity to reflect on history and share their visions for America today.
To honor their hard work, the students received certificates and a total of $175 in cash awards. What a fantastic way to reward such dedication and creativity! In November, one standout winner from each group of fifteen entries gets to move on to the next level of the competition, where they might reach even greater heights at district, state, and possibly national events!
A Legacy of Expression
Since its inception in 1947, the Voice of Democracy program has given high school students the chance to express their thoughts and beliefs through recorded essays that celebrate democratic values. Did you know that around 25,000 students from across the nation enter this contest each year? It’s true! Together, they vie for their share of an impressive total of over $1 million in scholarships and incentives.
The thrill continues as the national first-place winner takes home a whopping $35,000 scholarship, which is sent directly to their chosen American college, university, or vocational/technical program. Not too shabby for a school project, right? Here in Tennessee, the first three winners can snag scholarships of $1,500, $1,000, or $500, not to mention the grand prize winner receives an all-expenses-paid trip to our nation’s capital for the prestigious awards presentation.
Spotlight on Local Winners
This year, local hero Andrea Tucker from Unicoi County High School took home the first-place prize in the contest, with fellow students Cara Carr and Piper Bennett securing second and third places, respectively. Their hard work and passion are a testament to the amazing talent in our community!
Looking Ahead
For those interested in participating next year, mark your calendars! The 2025-26 theme will be unveiled in March 2025, and students eager to take part should reach out to their local VFW Post representatives for more information. Who knows? Next year could see even more local students shining bright in this empowering contest!
On the Court and Ice
As the students celebrated their achievements, the excitement didn’t stop there! College basketball fans had plenty to cheer for with a packed schedule including the Samford Bulldogs facing off against the Arizona Wildcats. Speaking of basketball, the East Tennessee State Buccaneers were gearing up for a match against the Elon Phoenix. It seems like Elizabethton is filled with both intellectual and athletic talent!
With such a vibrant community alive with enthusiasm and creativity, it’s clear that Elizabethton is a place where young voices are not just heard, but celebrated. The future is undoubtedly bright for these remarkable students, and we can’t wait to see what they’ll accomplish next!
