Created in 1947, the Voice of Democracy (VOD) scholarship program is an audio-essay contest for high school students in grades 9-12 that annually provides more than $3 million in scholarships. The first-place winner will then compete with all of the first-place VFW Department winners, and will receive a $30,000 scholarship that is paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school. As the winner of the VFW Post #4298 department, Jessica will be awarded $100.00 and a $1,000.00 scholarship for college. Besides competing for the top scholarship prize, as well as other national scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $16,000, each Department's first-place winner receives an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C.

The second and third place winners of the Voice of Democracy Contest are also seniors from Dexter Regional High School. Second place was awarded to Joshua Stanhope, son of Melodie Stanhope of Dexter and David Stanhope of Exeter. Third place was awarded to Samantha Conway, daughter of Raymond & Kathy Conway of Garland. Dexter Regional High School would like to congratulate all of these students for their outstanding achievement!

The VOD program is endorsed by the National Association of Secondary School Principals' contest criteria and is designed to foster patriotism by allowing students the opportunity to voice their opinion in a three to five minute essay based on an annual theme. Pictured in photo is contest winner, Jessica Mason and Mr. James Rattigan, from the Dexter VFW #4298.