BUCYRUS—The annual VFW is underway for local middle and high school students.

The Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW’s) premier scholarship program since 1947. Every year, about 57,000 high school students enter the contest for a chance at winning over $2 million in scholarships and incentives.

Lori Starner of VFW Post 1078 said that the theme this year for high school students is, “Is This the Country the Founders Envisioned?”

“We also have a contest called the Patriot’s Pen for middle school students in grades sixth, seventh and eighth,” said Starner.

The contests are open to students who are enrolled in public, private, parochial, or home school.

“There are more students than ever before who are opting for homeschooling because of the pandemic so we wanted to make sure they know about the contest too and can participate,” said Starner.

High school students are required to record their essays in a three to five-minute audio recording on CD or flash drive to submit while middle school students must write a 300 to 400-word essay to submit.

Starner said middle school students are eligible to win up to $5,000 scholarships.

High school students in grades nine through 12 are eligible to apply and write essays. These winners could potentially win up to $30,000 scholarships.

“I think it’s an amazing program. I’ve been with the VFW auxiliary for about 15 years. I’ve been doing this particular project for several years. I would love to be able to get the word out to our community so that all students, whether they are in a school setting or a homeschool setting, are aware that this is available,” said Starner.

She said all students are encouraged to participate.

“It’s a great opportunity to win scholarship money. It comes to our local VFW Post 1078 then moves to the district level. The ceremony for winners of scholarship money is amazing. You are definitely treated like royalty! The money is nice as well,” said Starner. “Our daughter was able to attend four years of college with paying minimal out-of-pocket due to writing essays and opportunities like this.”

Both contest deadlines are on Oct. 31.

Starner is distributing applications to all local schools and all of the rules, applications for the contest and more information can be found at the VFW’s website and on the local organization’s Facebook page.

The VFW in Bucyrus is located at 330 E. Mansfield St. and Lori Starner can be contacted at 419-689-1003.