Dexter, Missouri - The Dexter VFW Post #2659 is pleased to announce the winner of the 2016-2017 VFW Patriots Pen Award. Belle Jones is a 7th grade student at Richland High School in Essex, Missouri and was presented the award on March 20, 2017.  Her history teacher is Mr. Paul Arnold.
 
WHAT IS THE VOICE OF DEMOCRACY PROGRAM? Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW’s) premier scholarship program. Each year, nearly 40,000 high school students compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on a different annual patriotic theme each year.
 
Both VFW’s Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen essay competitions are dedicated to encouraging a better understanding and appreciation for our great country and fostering patriotism among our nation’s youth.

Students are asked to submit an essay in response to a question or statement on a subject which prompts them to consider how American history and democratic ideals and principles apply to their lives.

This year, 2016-17, the Voice of Democracy theme asked students to explain, “My Responsibility to America.”