"Why I'm Optimistic About Our Nation's Future" was the theme of the 67th annual audio essay competition held by the Veterans of Foreign Wars across this nation.

Nearly 40,000 high school students enter the competition to win $2.2 million in educational scholarships on the district, state and national levels with the national first-place winner receiving a $30,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient's American university, college or vocationaltechnical school.

Parkland High instructor and VOD Coordinator Dale Ritter, a VFW Post 12099 member and author of several military books, endorses the VFW's concept a democratic society needs nurturing to be sustained and giving students an opportunity to express themselves on democratic ideas and principles is an excellent tool to do so.

Freshman Cassidy Power garnered first place. Sophomore Kyle Cohick followed in second place and freshman Max Prehl was third.

The Military Nursing Corps of Pennsylvania VFW Post 12099 of Allentown sponsors the annual Voice of Democracy contest in Parkland High School

Winners at Parkland High receive monetary gifts and plaques before moving on to regional competition.

Other area school districts interested in having their high school students enter the VOD contest should contact Post 12099 Commander Joe Zeller at 610-298-3254 or email annawertman@verizon.net.