LISBON — Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9459 and Auxiliary recognized students in the Voice of Democracy Scholarship Competition and Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest recently.

The VFW and Auxiliary promote citizenship education, volunteerism and positive youth programs. The VFW Scholarship Program certificates of appreciation and monetary award were distributed at a luncheon for Voice of Democracy winner Jennifer Newendyke of Lisbon Falls Christian Academy and her parents.

Created in 1947, the Voice of Democracy program is an audio-essay contest for high school students in grades nine to 12 annually providing scholarships. The first-place winner competes with VFW Department winners.

Each department winner receives an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., to compete nationally. For more information, contact VFW national headquarters or the local VFW post.