VOL. XIX, NO. 9

"My Responsibility to America" was this year's theme for the annual Voice of Democracy contest. The program is sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.

Each year a different theme is given. All themes stress one thing - a student speaking for America.

All high school students were welcome and encouraged to participate in this broadcast scriptwriting program. Students started working on their essays back in early December. They were to express their views on their responsibility to America and then be able to speak on it. After the three to five-minute essays were written, they were then taped; and both the script and tape were turned in on Jan. 1.

This year three students from Maine West entered the local program: Steve Hines '80, Tom Stone '79, and Dean Hammer '78.

Dean won the school contest and went on to a District contest, in which he placed. He won two savings bonds from the V.F.W. and attended a dinner at the V.F.W. Hall in Des Plaines on Feb. 27. All three students are varsity debaters at Maine West.

Mr. Eric Edstrom, head of the Social Science Department, stated, "All contestants were exceptionally capable‑in particular, Dean Hammer, who has distinguished himself with this V.O.D. award."

The program involves local, district, state, and national awards. From the state winners, five national winners are chosen to receive a total of $22,500 in scholarships.

When asked what the purpose of this annual contest is, Mr. Edstrom replied, "The V.O.D. contest is one example of opportunities available for Maine West students to win money, and gain local, state, and national recognition."