Fowlerville, Michigan. (January 24, 2025) - VFW Post 6464 & Auxiliary are pleased to announce Alyssa J. Seiter, a 10th grade student, Fowlerville High School is the post/auxiliary first-place winner and recipient of the $600.00 for 2024-2025 Voice of Democracy youth essay contest. Alyssa, who was sponsored by VFW Post 6464 and its Auxiliary in Fowlerville, Michigan, wrote & recorded her winning essay based on this year’s theme, "Is America Today Our Forefather’s Vision?”.

"The Voice of Democracy competition provides high school students with the opportunity to speak out on freedom and democracy,” says VFW Post Commander William (Butch) Ogden.”  The program has been popular and successful since its beginning in 1947, and we’re proud to keep offering it to America’s young people.”

The Voice of Democracy is a worldwide audio-essay competition that requires entrants to write and record a three-to-five-minute essay on a patriotic-based theme. "Is America Today Our Forefather’s Vision?”, was this year’s theme.

Two students participated in the competition this year. As our finalists, Alyssa will compete at VFW District 6 for individual awards.  Alyssa will receive her post/auxiliary scholarship award with other awardees February 8, 2025, at VFW Post 6464 7th Annual Awards Banquet.

The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) started the Voice of Democracy Scholarship program in 1947. The VFW became a national sponsor in the late 1950s and assumed sole responsibility for the program in 1961. The competition was created to provide students grades 9-12 the opportunity to express themselves in regard to democratic ideas and principles. Around 40,000 students participate in the competition each year and VFW awards more than $2.1 million in scholarships every year.

Contact: George M. Wygant

(517) 515-0471

Vfwpost6464@gmail.com