The theme for the Voice of Democracy essay for 2013-2014 was: “Why I'm Optimistic About our Nation’s Future.”
Kennedy was first made aware of the opportunity through her teacher Mrs. Truman-Nanik, the 2013 VFW State teacher of the year recipient and history teacher at Bret Harte. After researching the guidelines on the VFW website Kennedy found that she "really liked the topic" and choose to enter an essay because it "was an important thing."
The basis of her essay was her belief in a promising future, "In our future I see technology beyond any of our imaginations,cures for cancer, and an end to poverty. In our nation's future I see anything, in our future I see everything.....no voice is too small to be heard." While pointing to our past with skill, "One can not analyze the worth of a nation's future without looking at its past." Expressing hope, "Our nation is young but we have achieved so much....we will not only change out nation but will lead by example" and optimism "our future will be even better..because there is no such thing as good enough...our nation will continue to strive for improvement and we will continue to achieve it."
The essay is then to be recorded to a CD with a length no shorter than three minutes and no longer than five minutes. The essay was judged on:
Originality: Treatment of the theme should show imagination and human interest.
Content: Clearly express your ideas in an organized manner. Fully develop your theme and use transitions to move smoothly from one idea to the other.
Delivery: Speak in a clear and credible manner.
