Congratulations to South Prairie sophomore, Gracie Rauschenberger in her state-wide first place finish in the VFW Voice of Democracy audio-essay competition!
Here is some more information from the scholarship chairman, Peggy Headrick, on the competition and scholarship that Gracie won:
Established in 1947, our Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay. Each year, nearly 25,000 9-12 grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $2 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program.
The national first place winner receives a $35,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school. A complete list of other national scholarships range from $1,000-$21,000, and the first place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins at least a scholarship of $1,000.
I am pleased to announce that fellow student Gracie Rauschenberger has been awarded first place in the North Dakota Veterans of Foreign Wars Voice of Democracy Scholarship program. Her entry to VFW Post 753 was judged and she was awarded 1st place. Her entry was then submitted to ND VFW District 3 judging where she again placed 1st. After receiving 1st place at the District level, her entry was submitted to the State level where she was awarded the State 1st place winner. Her recorded speech is being sent to the National Scholarship Program for competition on the National level.
As winner of the State competition, Gracie has been awarded a trip to Washington DC, along with all 50 state champions. Gracie has also been invited to attend the ND VFW Mid-winter Conference to read her speech.
-Peggy Headrick
VFW Post 753