Student wins VOD contest

Kyley Emerick, a junior at Meyersdale Area High School (MAHS), was recently named the winner of the 2022-23 District 23 VFW Voice of Democracy (VOD) Speech Contest. Her essay will now advance to the Pennsylvania state level competition. She will join other finalists at a banquet in Gettysburg later this month. Emerick was also named the local winner of the Salisbury VFW competition.

MAHS senior Jaden Miller, the local runner-up, submitted her speech to compete at the district level as well. Miller is the daughter of Heather Miller.

This year’s VOD theme was “Why is the Veteran Important?” Competitors submitted original three to five minute audio recordings as well as their typed essays. Judges evaluated speeches on the basis of originality, content and delivery.

Emerick said participating in the contest was a way to honor the men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country.

“Our veterans are not only important because of the sacrifices they have made, but also because of the true American spirit that lies within their hearts. Veterans are extremely important, and are extremely deserving of our respect and recognition. I appreciate their sacrifices and I believe that they must be honored.”

Since 1947, the Veterans of Foreign Wars has sponsored this “premier scholarship program.” Annually, 80,000 high school students compete for over $2 million in scholarships and other awards. The Pennsylvania VOD winner will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, DC, where he or she will tour the nation’s capital, will be honored by the VFW and its Auxiliary, and will receive his or her portion of $171,000 in national awards, the top scholarship being $35,000.