For the third year, high school students are being encouraged to enter the Voice of Democracy audio-essay competition through the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 308.

Patriot Pen and Voice of Democracy Chairperson Donna Monteleone Randle is hopeful a Newtown student will advance through the levels of the competition to the national level this year. The odds, she explained, are fair.

“If you win the Newtown post, then you go to the district,” Ms Randle said.

Ms Randle said there are six districts in Connecticut that host the competition, and winning at the Newtown level alone can be added to a college application.

“The competition pool is small,” said Ms Randle.

Students who win at the state level earn an all-expenses-paid trip to Washinginton, DC, for the national level of the competition.

According to the VFW, the Newtown winner will be chosen by a panel of judges to go on and represent Newtown at the district level. District level winners will compete for the state award, and the Connecticut winner will compete for national prizes, ranging from $1,000 to $16,000. The national first place winner receives a $30,000 scholarship.

This year’s essay theme is “My Vision for America,” and the essay must be written and recorded by the student reciting the essay.

The entry for the competition must by submitted to Newtown High School College/Career Center Coordinator Kitty Latowicki by Wednesday, October 28. Applications are available online.

Further information about the audio-essay competition is available on the VFW’s website, www.vfwpost308.com, on the VFW Post 308 Newtown CT Facebook page, or by emailing vfwpost308@newtown@gmail.com.