PEMBROKE – Central High School senior Tri Vu took first place in the VFW Department of New Hampshire Voice of Democracy Scholarship program.
In winning the statewide competition, Vu topped a field of more than 750 students, and earned a $1,500 college scholarship. He will go on to compete at the national level, with the potential of winning the $35,000 grand prize scholarship.
“I'm incredibly honored to have received this scholarship,” Vu said. “I’m excited and look forward to competing at the National Competition in Washington, D.C., as the State Winner, representing Central and New Hampshire.”
The Voice of Democracy program is a worldwide audio-essay competition that requires entrants to write and record a three- to five-minute essay on a patriotic-based theme. “Is America Today our Forefathers’ Vision?” was this year’s theme.
“This is an amazing honor for Tri and so very well deserved,” said Central Principal Deb Roukey. “He truly represents the best of Central and we are excited to cheer him on when he competes for the national prize. Let’s go, Tri!”
Vu was presented with the scholarship at the annual awards event this month. He was sponsored in the competition by VFW Post 8214 Queen City Memorial and its Auxiliary.
“The Voice of Democracy competition provides high school students with the opportunity to speak out on freedom and democracy,” said VFW Department Commander AJ Corrow. “The program has been popular and successful since its beginning in 1947, and we’re proud to keep offering it to America’s young people.”
Around 25,000 students participate in the competition each year and VFW awards more than $1 million in scholarships every year. You can read more about the Voice of Democracy scholarship program here.