“My responsibility to America is to recognize sacrifice for this country.” “To serve in anyway possible is my responsibility to America.” These two opinions answered the question, “What is your responsibility to America?” asked by the Cannon Falls VFW Voice of Democracy speech contest. On Monday, December 12th, the winners of the Voice of Democracy contest were announced at the VFW.

The theme for Voice of Democracy changes each year, and this year the theme was My Responsibility to America. “It was really interesting and enlightening to see what we think our responsibility to America is,” said freshman, Ryan Schlichting. Each participant could choose anything to talk about, whether it was about making sacrifices for this country or contributing to it by volunteering. The deadline for the contest was November 1st. Six high school students participated in the event this year including Ryan Schlichting, Nathan VanZuilen, Grant Schlichting, Layne Quam, Kayley Felix, and Lindy Edstrom. After a couple weeks of writing and speaking, the contestants were ready to submit a recording of themselves giving their 3-5 minute speech. When asked how the process of writing went senior Kayley Felix says, “The writing in and of itself was a quick process – when you’re passionate about a piece, the words tend to almost write themselves.”

The judges were very happy to have more entries than last year. Three people signed up for Voice of Democracy the previous year and two did the Patriot’s Pen contest. A couple weeks went by and the participants received an invitation in the mail that invited them to the VFW for a light dinner and the announcement of the winners.

After eating scrumptious sloppy joes, chips, and cake, the VFW president started with the awards. The Patriot’s Pen winners were announced first and then the Voice of Democracy. The top three winners were given a backpack, Minnesota-shaped notepads, a notebook, money, a certificate, and a medal. Third place finisher was junior, Grant Schlichting, who received $100. Second place finisher was sophomore, Lindy Edstrom, who received $150, and first place finisher was Kayley Felix, who earned $250. “I’m still pretty surprised that my essay ranked first, but it’s definitely a good feeling,” Kayley said. When asked what she was planning to do with the money, Kayley answered, “I’ve lately been working towards obtaining a Private Pilot’s License, so I’ll be putting the money from the Voice of Democracy towards flight training – this will get me another two hours of solo flight time!”

The remaining three runner-ups were each given $25. The first place winner was then asked to give her speech in front of the audience. No speech went on to place in the district level for a chance to win even more money, but every participant did well.

The VFW is looking for even more students to participate next year in hopes to get someone to the district level, or beyond. The next theme will be announced next year, but be prepared to have the chance to win $250 or more!