The Veterans of Foreign Wars is hosting the “Voice of Democracy” contest for students ages 9-12. Deadline to enter is Nov. 1.

This year’s theme is “Why Veterans are Important to our Nation’s History and Future.”

Since 1947, the VOD has been the VFW’s premier scholarship program and each years more than 40,000 high school students compete for more than $2.1 million in scholarship money.

Prizes and scholarships are awarded at the post, district, state and national level. State winners will receive an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. from Feb. 28-March 4.

Students need to record a 3-5 minute essay on a standard cassette tape or audio CD. One entry per student.

Deadline is Nov. 1 for the Veterans of Foreign War’s Patriot Pen youth essay competition.

This year’s theme is “Why I Appreciate America’s Veterans.”

The contest is open to all 6-8th grade students enrolled in public or private schools. The essays need to be 300-400 words and the contestant’s original work and own thinking.

All entries must be submitted to the local VFW post chairman by midnight on Nov. 1.

For more information, contact Michelle Licari at 360-434-8460 or Jennifer Richardson at 360-731-8723.