The Cape Coral VFW is stepping up to support the next generation with major scholarship opportunities, up to $35,000 for high school students and $5,000 for middle schoolers. Their goal? To nurture both patriotism and future leaders.
High school students can compete in the Voice of Democracy (VOD) audio-essay contest, which has been running since 1947. Every year, nearly 28,000 students from across the nation submit recordings on democratic and patriotic themes. Altogether, the program awards over $1.6 million in scholarships and prizes. The national first-place winner walks away with a $35,000 scholarship, paid straight to the college or technical school of their choice. Other national awards go as high as $21,000, and each state’s top finisher receives at least $1,000.
Winning at the state level also comes with something special: a spot in the Founding Forward’s Spirit of America Youth Leadership experience at Valley Forge. This four-day trip puts students right where history happened and throws them into mock congressional debates, business challenges, and hands-on learning at key historical sites. It’s a crash course in leadership and civic responsibility, all thanks to support from Twisted X.
To enter the VOD contest, students need to prepare a recorded essay based on this year’s theme: “What a Veteran Taught Me About America.” They should fill out the 2026-2027 entry form and turn both in at their local VFW Post by midnight on October 31.
Last year’s VOD top honor went to Olivia Drewniak, a senior from Morse High School in Bath, Maine. Her essay, “How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?” earned her the $35,000 scholarship, with VFW Post 7738 proudly sponsoring her. You can catch her winning speech from the VFW’s Parade of Winners online or read the full text on the VFW website. The entire 2026 national ceremony and winner list are also available to watch.
Middle schoolers, sixth through eighth grade, have their own shot at recognition through the Patriot’s Pen essay contest. Over 800,000 students join in every year, tackling a short (300-400 words) essay on a patriotic question. The national winner scores $5,000, first-place state winners get at least $500, and there’s more than a million dollars awarded overall.
This year’s topic is the same as the VOD’s: “What a Veteran Taught Me About America.” Students should submit their typed essay with the official 2026-2027 entry form to their local VFW Post by October 31.
Andrew Ge, an eighth grader from San Ramon, California, took the top spot for Patriot’s Pen last year. His essay answered, “How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?” and earned him the $5,000 grand prize, with sponsorship from San Ramon Valley VFW Post 75.
Whether you’re a student ready to speak up or a parent hoping to encourage your child, these VFW contests open the door to big rewards and memorable experiences.
Click here for more information and if you want to see what makes a winning entry stand out or catch up on this year’s highlights.
