October Deadlines
October Deadlines
VFW Voice of Democracy 2025
Established in 1947, our Voice of Democracy® audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay. Each year, more than 26,400 ninth through 12th grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $1.4 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program.
The national first place winner receives a $35,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school. A complete list of other national scholarships range from $1,000-$21,000, and the first place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins at least a scholarship of $1,000. Students interested in participating must submit their audio essay prepared on this year's theme, with a completed 2025-2026 entry form, to their local participating VFW Post. Find your sponsoring local VFW Post as essays must be turned in by midnight, Oct. 31st.
Complete information regarding the essay theme, rules, guidelines and how to enter is available online here.
DEADLINE: October 31, 2025
Virginia War Memorial Seeks Entries For 2026 Veterans Day Student Essay Contest
The Virginia War Memorial in Richmond is seeking entries for the Virginia War Memorial 2026 Veterans Day Student Essay Contest. This annual competition is open to all Virginia middle and high school age public, private and homeschooled students.
Submissions must be between 500-750 words, incorporate at least one primary source, and include an APA or MLA style bibliography.
Winners of the 2026 Essay Contest will receive a prize package through McDonalds of Richmond and Hampton Roads. Awardees will be invited to read their winning essays at the Commonwealth’s Veterans Day Ceremony, to be held Friday, November 10, 2023, at 11:00am.
Entries should be submitted electronically through the Virginia War Memorial’s website by TBD.Please contact Crystal Coon (crystal.coon@dvs.virginia.gov) with any questions.
Complete information regarding the essay theme, rules, guidelines and how to enter is available online at https://vawarmemorial.org/learn/contests-scholarships/essay/
DEADLINE: TBD
UPCOMING NOMINATION SCHOLARSHIPS
Blacksburg High School has the opportunity to nominate student(s) for the following scholarships. Please review the criteria for each scholarship, and fill out this Google form if you would like to be considered.
DAVIDSON BELK SCHOLARSHIP - Comprehensive funding to Davidson University. Nominees should demonstrate academic excellence, purposeful engagement beyond the classroom, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to both their local and global communities.
HARRY BYRD LEADERSHIP AWARD - Recipients receive a $30,000 scholarship. Nominees should demonstrate excellence of character, qualities of leadership, devotion to duty, and academic accomplishment.
UVA JEFFERSON SCHOLARS PROGRAM - Comprehensive funding to UVA. Nominees should demonstrate exceptional leadership talents, an understanding of the broader community around them, and uncommon academic abilities.
UVA WALENTAS SCHOLARS PROGRAM - Comprehensive funding to UVA. Nominees should demonstrate exceptional leadership talents, an understanding of the broader community around them, and uncommon academic abilities AND First Generation (trailblazers in the first generation of their families to earn a bachelor’s degree).
DEADLINE: CHECK FOR DEADLINES