2008 Frisco VFW Voice of Democracy Scholarship Winner
Alex Pernice
Alex Pernice

Synopsis from Sharon Runge:
In 6 years as an educator I’ve encouraged scholarship applications and pushed every available academic opportunity on my English classes. However, it is rare to have a student earn scholarship money for something based solely on the English language; writing. When I found out that Alex had won the Voice of Democracy Essay contest at the regional level I can’t explain the pride, joy, and overwhelming happiness I felt for her.
I was fortunate enough to attend the award ceremony in Austin for the top 25 essay candidates and it was one of the greatest experiences I’ve had as a teacher. The Voice of Democracy program is so generous and academically rewarding for students. To be a part of such a unique event was an honor. Alex is exceptionally intelligent and to be a freshman included in the top 25 in the state proves her amazing talents. I can only imagine what Alex will accomplish in her future years at Liberty High School.
Synopsis from Alex Pernice:
Getting into the Voice of Democracy writing scholarship all started as an opportunity offered in my English class. It turned out to be one of the most rewarding and amazing experiences of my freshman year. About a month or so after I turned in my entry, I received a phone call from the Lewisville VFW stating I had won at the regional level and earned a $500 scholarship. At that point I was invited to the Mid-Winter Round Up held in Austin, Texas to attend the Voice of Democracy Banquet, where the results of the state competition would be announced. Only 25 students out of the whole state made it to this point and of those, I was the only ninth grader. It all passed by so fast, and it was quite surreal being a part of something so special. In Austin I had the opportunity to meet a lot of new people, attend VFW meetings, and go to places such as the capital building and the Texas State Cemetery. We had the pleasure of meeting Governor Rick Perry and Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst. The trip ended with the Voice of Democracy banquet, and the announcing of the winners, in which I placed 14th of the 25 invited and won a total of $1500 in scholarship money. I feel so proud and honored to have been the youngest of the top 25 applicants. I'd like to thank District 1 and the Frisco VFW Post for supporting and sponsoring me throughout the whole process. The Voice of Democracy scholarship program has given me more confidence as a writer and will continue to inspire me as I continue my high school education.

 

 

2007 Frisco VFW Patriotism Scholarship Winner
and 2006 Voice of Democracy Winner


From left, Post Commander James Thomas,
2007 Patriotism Scholarship Winner Ms. Jennifer McGill
and Ms. Rebecca Choi 2006 Voice of Democracy Contest Winner

FRISCO, Texas - The Frisco Veterans Of Foreign Wars Patriotism Scholarship – The Frisco VFW understands the meaning of sacrifice and dedicated service for the causes of helping country, community and promoting freedom and patriotism. The parameters for the scholarship are: graduating student in good academic standing and who has exhibited community support and patriotism in his/her high school career. The award recipient this year is an outstanding young woman who has displayed such qualities.  This year’s scholarship goes to Jennifer McGill.

 

2006 Frisco VFW Voice of Democracy Scholarship Winner


From left, Post Commander James Thomas, 2006
Voice of Democracywinner Rebecca Choi.

FRISCO, Texas - VFW Post 8273 Frisco Texas is proud to announce that Rebecca Choi is the winner of the 2006 Voice of Democracy contest.  This year’s essay topic was “Freedom’s Choice”.  Judging was conducted by Post members and the winning entry was chosen based on content, presentation and originality.  Ms Choi was awarded a $500 Scholarship to a college of her choice and has won the right to compete at the District level.  VFW Post 8273 would like to congratulate Ms Choi, this year’s choice for the 2006 Voice of Democracy winner. 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, who competes with all the first-place VFW Department winners, receives a $30,000 scholarship that is paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school.

 

2005 Frisco VFW Patriotism Scholarship Winner


From left, Post Service Officer Tony Arbisi,
2005 Frisco VFW Patriotism Scholarship Winner
Elliot Winters and Post Commander James Thomas.

 

About VFW Post 8273 - Consisting of over 75 members, Frisco's VFW post 8273 is comprised of veterans of the United States Armed Forces that have served our country from World War II through Operation Iraqi Freedom.  Their mission is to enhance lives through community service programs and special projects to include annual scholarships to high school seniors, providing services and information to local veterans and supporting current members of the armed forces that are serving overseas.