Voice of Democracy Scholarship helps students pay for college

BALTIMORE - 16-year-old Brandon Paulin has dreams of becoming a Politician. He wants to make this country better.  Last year the eleventh grader won the Voice of Democracy Scholarship to help pay for college.

"When I am looking around at Colleges, the prices of Colleges are rising.  Scholarships really helps cut down on the cost," said Brandon Paulin, 2011 Voice of Democracy Winner.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars started the Voice of Democracy Scholarship Program in 1947 to help students pay for college. Each year more than 50,000 students compete for more than 2.3 million dollars in scholarships and incentives.

Students compete by writing and recording a three to five minute broadcast script on an annual patriotic theme.  This year's theme, "Is Our Constitution Still Relevant?"  Prizes and scholarships are awarded at the local, district, state and national level.

"I love working with the kids and helping them further their education when I went to college. I am dating myself. My tuition was $500 a semester. Now that does not buy books so kids need the help," said Michael Perini, State Chairman for VFW Voice of Democracy Essay Contest.

Brandon won the district and state competition and made lots of friends during his trip to DC for the National Competition.  He has won about $6,000 in scholarships for college.

"It's really fantastic.  They give so much and all you have to do is write an essay and record it.  It's really good for someone trying to save money for college," said Brandon Paulin.

The national winner for the Voice of Democracy Scholarship receives $30,000.  Students in ninth through 12th grade are eligible to apply at their local VFW.  The deadline is November 1st for the Voice of Democracy Scholarship Program.

The VFW also has a scholarship for Middle School students called Patriots Pen.