Taryn Lodge, senior at Belt High School, recently won First Place in our post’s Voice of Democracy competition in October. The topic for this year was “Why is the Veteran Important?” Her entry, along with Second Place winner Aubrey Johnson’s entry, also a senior at Belt High School, were forwarded to the VFW MT District 2 Commander for consideration by their judges. Taryn won the District competition, and her entry was forwarded to the state. VFW Department of Montana judges awarded Taryn First Place for the state, and the Chair for the Voice of Democracy Committee, Mike Pryor, mentioned that her entry was far above anything else they had received. The three judges from our post were impressed by all nineteen entries they judged at Belt High School, and they had a tough time narrowing down the top seven or eight speeches. It speaks highly of the program at Belt High School, especially of the Belt Government Class led by Mr. Karl Koontz, who was chosen as our post Teacher of the Year.

Taryn’s entry has been forwarded to the VFW for the national competition, where the top winner from each state competes for scholarships. Just for being advanced to the national competition, Taryn receives a $1,000 scholarship. Contestants will compete for scholarships from $1,000 to $21,000, the top prize being a $35,000 scholarship. The officers at the Department feel she has a great shot to place high. Taryn will be receiving cash prizes from our post, VFW District 2, and the VFW Department of Montana, and an expense-paid trip to Washington, DC in April to meet with other state winners.

Established in 1947 by the VFW, the Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay. Each year, nearly 40,000 9-12 grade students from across the country enter to win their share of $2.1 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program.

Taryn’s speech is provided below: