Three students from South Effingham High School were recently recognized as the first, second and third place winners of the local Voice of Democracy audio-essay contest sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign War Post representing both Effingham and Bulloch counties.

This year’s theme for the essays was, “My Role in Honoring America’s Veterans.”

Receiving a plaque and a check from the local VFW were: senior Josh Coleman, first place; Freshman Michaela Lariscy, second place; and freshman Amanda Starling, third place. Presenting the checks and commending the students on their outstanding efforts was John M. Bath of the local VFW post.

“It is always fitting to recognize events that have happened in the past,” said Bath, “and it is wonderful when students respect that.”

Created in 1947, the Voice of Democracy scholarship program is an audio-essay contest for high school students in grades 9-12 that annually provides more than $3 million in scholarships.

The first-place winner, who competes with all the first-place VFW department winners, receives a $30,000 scholarship.

The Voice of Democracy program is endorsed by the National Association of Secondary School Principals and is designed to foster patriotism by allowing students the opportunity to voice their opinion in a three to five minute essay based on an annual theme.