Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy is the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) high school scholarship program. It is an oratorical essay contest that gives students an opportunity to win a $35,000 national scholarship. This year’s theme was “Is America Today Our Forefathers’ Vision?” The Department of Georgia’s winner hails from Acworth, Georgia, where she attends Davis Homeschool Academy. Sponsored by the Acworth & Kennesaw VFW Post 5408, Rebecca Davis is currently a senior and plans to attend Kennesaw State University upon graduation to study Exercise Science, with a minor in Nutrition and Public Policy.
Supporting Veterans Through Research
Rebecca has been conducting research projects from a young age. Her teacher and mother, Mrs. Rhonda Davis, encouraged her students to start researching around the 4th grade. This encouragement has led Rebecca to complete a research project that helped her become the youngest member hired by the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH). Rebecca has completed three standout research projects, including a Falls Prevention program with the DPH, a pain management survey with the VFW (which she hopes to present in April), and an Alzheimer’s study, which she is working to bring before the Georgia legislature with the assistance of the Alzheimer’s Association.
Goals After Winning Voice of Democracy Contest
Rebecca’s life goals are to help veterans and the elderly through nutrition and exercise. She plans to do this by researching and addressing the issues that impact these populations the most, which is clearly reflected in her current projects. One can only imagine the great things she will accomplish; think of the work she could do with traumatic brain injuries or amputees. Rebecca finds her passion through a long line of family veterans: her great-grandfather served in the Army during World War II, her grandfather served in the Navy during the Vietnam War, and her father served in the Marines during Operation Desert Storm. In total, eight additional family members have served, from the Civil War to the present. Her cousin currently serves in the Navy as a machinist mate. These family members have fueled her desire to give back. Though medical challenges prevent Rebecca from joining the Armed Forces, she faces these challenges head-on. She has taken her passion for veterans and for helping people and found another way to give back—through research and lobbying.
Why Enter the Voice of Democracy Program?
When asked how she discovered the Voice of Democracy scholarship program, Rebecca shared that she’s a member of a Speech and Debate club led by Maria Gerber. Ms. Gerber describes the VFW’s Voice of Democracy Scholarship as a noble initiative and encourages her students to participate every year. Rebecca, a champion in Speech and Debate, credits the club with helping her build confidence in public speaking and improve her essay-writing skills. Her passion for learning is also influenced by her family’s travel motto, “Go See Do,” which has inspired them to explore everything from museums and historic sites to understanding global cultures. This love of discovery has fueled her desire to gather knowledge. A notable detail about Rebecca is that she keeps the VA and DOD budgets on her computer, showcasing her dedication to understanding the systems that support veterans and public policy.
In conclusion, Rebecca’s achievements and dedication to serving veterans and the elderly highlight not only her academic excellence but also her deep passion for giving back to those who have served our country. Her remarkable research, involvement in the community, and commitment to making a difference, make her a deserving recipient of the Voice of Democracy scholarship. Despite the challenges she faces, Rebecca’s determination to create positive change for veterans and the elderly is inspiring. With a bright future ahead, there is no doubt that she will continue to make significant contributions to the fields she cares about, embodying the values of service and dedication that the VFW scholarship stands for.
