The Veterans of Foreign War Voice of Democracy Scholarship Competition will give thousands of dollars in scholarships and a trip to Washington, D.C., to students in grades 9-12.

Students begin by competing at the local Veterans of Foreign War Post level, with a deadline of Nov. 1. Entries turned into the VFW Post 8951, located at 1800 Andrew St., York, are considered for the Post's VOD scholarship award and are then judged for advancement to district judging.

The first-place district winner advances to the state competition. All state winners receive a four-day trip to Washington, D.C.

A total of $152,000 is awarded to national finalists. The first place national scholarship is $30,000. Annually, the VFW provides more than $2.3 million in scholarships.

Students must write and record a three-to-five minute essay on the theme Is Our Constitution Still Relevant? on an audio cassette tape or audio CD and present their recording, typed essay, and entry form at the West York Memorial VFW Post.

Interested students and teachers should contact the Auxiliary 's VOD Chairman, Carol Schrum, at (717) 873-2174. Full details for the scholarship competition are available at www.vfw.org/Community/Voice-of-Democracy/