May 25, 2023-- Commander Thomas Kraszewski, Toms River VFW Post 10185, and Commander Barbara Hagemann, Toms River VFW Post 6063, awarded High School South seniors Gianna Sanso (right) and Angelina Devivi (left) certificates and $300 cash prizes for their respective second- and third-place-award-winning Voice of Democracy audio essays on "Why is the Veteran Important?"

Established in 1947 by the VFW, the Voice of Democracy audio essay program provides high school students the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay. Each year, nearly 25,000 ninth through 12th-grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $1.3 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program.