Marshall County High School senior Bailey Hodge has won the state competition for the VFW's Voices of Democracy contest.
By winning state, Bailey has earned an all expense paid trip to Washington DC in March where she is competing for more scholarship money and a chance to be the national winner.
Established in 1947, the VFW’s 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 25,000 ninth through 12th grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $1 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program. The 2024-25 theme is: "Is America Today Our Forefathers' Vision?"
“This opportunity means so much to me,” Bailey said. “It is a chance to compete at a higher level with a speech that I am passionate about. The chance to use this speech to further my education would be a dream come true.”
In describing her speech, Bailey said “It presents a thought-provoking examination of whether the America we live in today aligns with the vision of the founding fathers. It highlights concerns about government overreach, division in the nation, and a departure from the ideals of unity and hard work that were central to the creation of the United States.”
"We are so proud of Bailey and her initiative to express herself in regards to democracy and patriotism, said Marshall County High School Principal Shannon Solomon. “We wish Bailey luck and are behind her as she competes in Washington DC next month."