Carly Kolterman Wins Local VFW Voice if Democracy Oratorical Contest

January 30, 2026

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Seward High School Sophomore, Carly Kolterman was named the winner in the recent Seward VFW Post 4755 annual “Voice of Democracy” Speech Contest for 2025-2026. The student’s theme for this year’s essay/speech was “How are you showing patriotism and support for our country?”

Each student was asked to write the essay and record it to submit for judging. The recording was to be 3-5 minutes in length.

As the local winner, Carly was presented a certificate and $100.00 cash scholarship, presented by co-sponsors Seward VFW Post 4755 and the Seward Post Auxiliary.

Presenting the check to Carly are Lucas Brown- VOD Post Chairman and Post 4755 Commander Erich Neujhar.

Her speech will now be entered in the District Contest to compete and qualify for the state contest. Carly's speech coach/teacher at Seward High is Spencer Jakub.

The “Voice of Democracy” audio/essay contest was established in 1947 with approximately 40,000 students competing nationwide and $2.1 million in scholarships. The first place national scholarship is for $35,000. For more info contact VFW.org.

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L-R Carly Kolterman, Lucas Brown and Erich Neujhar