VFW partners with Calaveras County Office of Education
The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) established a unique educational program in 1947 called the Voices of Democracy (VOD). According to the VFW website, this program provides high school students a chance to express themselves through a themed, patriotic, recorded essay. Students from all over the country compete for scholarships and awards. The national first-place winner receives $35,000, paid directly to the student’s university, college, or vocational school.
The 2022-23 theme for Voices of Democracy is “Why is the Veteran Important?” Local Bret Harte student Nina Hollars was honored by VFW District 13 for her essay and will be representing District 13 at the state level VOD competition. Bret Harte students have been participating in the VOD contest for 10 years and, through those years, four students have represented the local district at the state level. The VOD contest is a good way for students to express their opinion on the themed topics. All high school students are encouraged to take the opportunity to express themselves, their patriotism and honor veterans through this incentivized program.
Hollars’ speech highlights that the public view of veterans has changed over the years. She talks about their devotion, determination, and unmatched experience.
“We as a people can learn so much from their experiences with stories that should never be forgotten.”
Hollars speech continues with, “Weathered and broken at times, veterans are fierce, brave, dedicated and proud. They have unmatched loyalty, not only to each other, but to all of us. We owe our freedom to them.”
Patriot’s Pen is another VFW youth scholarship opportunity. This essay contest has students in grades 6-8 compete for a chance to win a minimum of $500 at the national level, with the first-place winner taking home $5,000. Students are asked to examine their own experiences, America’s history, and modern American society in a 300- to 400-word essay. The 2022-23 theme is “My Pledge to Our Veterans.”
In addition to the VOD and Patriot’s Pen, the VFW selects elementary, middle, and high school teachers to participate in the SMART/MAHER VFW Citizenship Education Teacher program. Teachers are then nominated and honored by the VFW. Bret Harte History teacher Jennifer Truman has been honored by the VFW District 13 as its Teacher of the Year. Truman was presented with this honor in 2013 as well.
“I am honored to be recognized by the VFW and awarded Teacher of the Year for the second time,” Truman said. “To be honored a second time is even more humbling, as it reinforces my personal dedication to bring the importance of recognizing and celebrating our veterans.”
For more information on how the VFW partners with education, go online to vfw.org/community/youth-and-education.