LTHS Student Wins VFW Regional Essay Scholarship Competition

LOCKPORT, IL — Lockport Township High School student Giada Roti earned first place at the VFW's District 18 regional competition for the Voice of Democracy's audio-essay scholarship competition.

Roti had advanced to the district level competition after she won at the Lockport Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #5788 level, according to a release from the Lockport VFW. The regional competition awards banquet was held on Sunday in New Lenox.

Over 170 Voice of Democracy entries were submitted from several southwest suburban VFW Posts during the scholarship competition in 2023, the Lockport VFW said.

Roti received a $100 Post and $100 District prize for her efforts and will now compete at the State of Illinois/Illinois VFW Department competition. A banquet will be held in honor of all Illinois VFW District winners in Springfield on Feb. 10 to announce the state winners.

The Illinois winner will then go on to Washington, D.C. to compete in the National Competition for a $35,000 scholarship and other prizes, according to a release.

The patriotic-themed Voice of Democracy Audio-Essay Scholarship competition is a national program for high school students that has been run by the VFW since 1947. Over $2 million in prizes and scholarships are awarded annually.

The theme of the competition changes every year, and the 2024-2025 theme will be released in March.