ROCKY HILL, CONN. (Jan. 11, 2026)–Because of the generous donations by Veterans of Foreign Wars Posts in the state of Connecticut, the statewide youth scholarship program award has been increased.

The Department of Connecticut Veterans of Foreign Wars, Voice of Democracy annual audio-essay contest increased their grand prize to $1,000 for the January 11, 2026 VFW Department of Connecticut and Auxiliary Scholarship Awards Dinner at the Aqua Turf Club in Planstville.

The annual event, awards nearly $7,000 in meals, prizes, and scholarships, celebrates the state winners of the Voice of Democracy (VOD), Patriot’s Pen, and Teacher of the Year competitions.

Established by the VFW nationally in 1947, the annual audio-essay VOD competition, challenges high school students in grades 9 through 12. Students record a 3-to-5 minute essay on a patriotic theme to compete for over $2 million in national scholarships, with the first-place winner receiving a $35,000 prize.

Today, donations from VFW Connecticut Posts to the Hugh Hoyt Scholarship Fund underwrite the VFW Connecticut and Auxiliary Annual Scholarship Awards Dinner.

Judge Hugh A. Hoyt died in 1965 at age 47 from a cerebral hemorrhage. He was a World War II veteran who served three years in Europe with the Army Air Corps. A former award-winning commander of the Raymond T. Goldbach VFW Post 9460 in Stratford, he also served the Department as judge advocate, inspector, and legislative chairman.