AUBURN — Chairman Keith Davis of the Auburn VFW has announced the 65th Voice of Democracy Scholarship competition.

Students compete by writing and then recording a three- to five-minute audio/essay expressing their views of this year’s patriotic theme, “Is There Pride in Serving in Our Military?” The Auburn VFW is responsible for all high school students competing from Edward Little and St. Dominic’s High School as well as any home-schooled students in grades 9 through 12 who live in Auburn.

The two winners of the Auburn VFW competition would each win $200 in bonds and prizes and would advance to the District #9 competition to compete against winners from Lewiston, Lisbon, Monmouth, Jay, South Paris and Rumford VFWs. District prizes are $150, $75 and $50. The District winner would advance to the state competition and compete against the other 11 Districts in Maine.

Maine VFW awards $1,500, $800 and $500 scholarships; every entrant in the state competition will be awarded at least a $100 U.S. Savings Bond. The state winner will enjoy a four day tour of Washington, D.C. along with the winners from every state, the Pacific areas, Latin America/Caribbean and Europe. All of these winners receive at least a $1,500 national scholarship and are eligible for the $30,000 first-place award.

Interested students should contact chairman Keith Davis at 329-8784 or the VFW Post #1603 at 783-2561 Monday through Saturday from 4 to 7 p.m. Leave your name, address and telephone number to have a brochure, an application and last year’s winning essay forwarded to you. Applications will also be in the Guidance Office at Edward Little and St. Dominic’s.

All scripts and tapes must be in the chairman’s hands by Nov. 1.