Local Voice of Democracy Contest Announces Top 3 Winners
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The Vidalia chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Auxiliary announced the top three placements in the local Voice of Democracy competition during a short ceremony at Vidalia Heritage Academy on Monday, December 16.
Voice of Democracy is an annual competition where high school students write an essay on a given theme, record the essay as a speech, and submit the written essay and recording to judges for a chance to win scholarships. This year, twelve students from schools within Toombs County opted to craft a speech on the current theme: “Is America today our forefathers’ vision?”
Vidalia Heritage Academy Student Trevor White won first place in the local competition, earning him scholarship funds and advancement to the district competition. If White wins the district competition, he will move on to the state competition and a shot at more scholarship money.
Vidalia High School Student Kingston Ryals took home second place honors in the local competition, while Vidalia Heritage Academy Student Ansley Williams followed closely behind in 3rd place. Both of these winners were recognized during the ceremony on December 16 and were presented with scholarship checks.
The competition will reopen to local high school students next year, as information will be shared at the beginning of the 2025/2026 school year on how to enter.
