VFW Post 5186 presents HCHS students with Voice of Democracy awards

Hancock County Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5186 recognized three Hancock County High School students Friday, May 1, for their winning entries in the 2025-26 Voice of Democracy competition, a patriotic audio essay contest.

Ansley House earned first place, followed by Bobby Marsh in second and Gavin Smiley in third.

U.S. Army veteran Post Commander Homer Newman and U.S. Air Force veteran Post Quartermaster L.T. Newton presented the awards. House received $400, Marsh $300, and Smiley $200.

HCHS Guidance Counselor JoVonna Smiley attended the ceremony, which was held at the high school.

“I would like to show the people what the VFW stands for. Through the grace of God, we have been provided with this form of democracy,” said Newton, who also serves as the post’s historian, adjutant and service officer, assisting veterans with VA services.

The 2025-26 theme, “How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?” invited students to reflect on civic engagement and national service.

Established in 1947, the Voice of Democracy program marked its 79th year in 2025-26 and allows high school students to express their ideas through recorded essays. Entries must include a three- to five-minute audio recording submitted in MP3 format, along with a typed version of the essay.

Each year, nearly 40,000 students in grades 9-12 participate nationwide. The program awards approximately $2.1 million in scholarships and incentives annually.

At the national level, the first-place winner receives a $35,000 scholarship paid directly to an American college, university or vocational school. Additional national scholarships range from $1,000 to $15,000. State winners receive at least $1,000 and an all-expenses-paid trip to Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.

The 2025 entry deadline was Oct. 31, and submissions are evaluated on originality, delivery and content. Judges consider creativity and engagement with the theme, clarity and effectiveness of speech, and how well ideas are organized and developed.

Advancement in the competition is based on participation at the local level, with top entries moving from post to district and then to the state level.

To maintain fairness, essays are judged anonymously and must not include identifying information such as the student’s name, school or hometown. Eligible participants include students enrolled in public, private, parochial or homeschool programs in the United States, as well as dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel attending overseas schools.

The 2026-27 theme will be “What a Veteran Taught Me About America.” Entries must be submitted by Oct. 31, 2026. The competition’s top national prize remains $35,000. More information is available at vfw.org.