The Voice of Democracy is a speech competition offered by the VFW for all high school students.
To get to the national level, a participant must win first place at the local, district, and state competitions. Each of the 50 state winners receives an all-expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C. at the beginning of March. During this trip, there is a ceremony in which the grand champion is announced. The grand prize is a $30,000 scholarship.
This year, the prompt was “My Vision for America.” With the upcoming presidential election, I thought it would be unique to write my speech from the perspective of a newly elected United States President. 
I am the first West Bend student to win this competition at the state level. I leave for Washington, D.C. on Saturday.
The judging will be announced Monday night. As one of 54 competitors, I feel like I have a shot at placing high in the ranking. Regardless of how well I do in the national competition, I am proud to represent the state of Wisconsin and the West Bend School District.
I have so many people to thank for this opportunity. I greatly respect and admire John and Donna Kleinmaus.
They have encouraged and supported me since I first entered the Patriot’s Pen competition in 7th grade. Without their hard work and dedication to the community I would not be a contender in the national competition.
I am also grateful to the West Bend community. I am thankful for the support and love I have received from my family and friends. I am thankful for Mr. Neitzke’s invitation to give my speech at a local school board meeting. I am thankful for the West Bend School District for providing me with the education and skills that have contributed to my writing success.
Read Quinn Skidmore’s award-winning entry by clicking here.