In an essay that captured first place in the statewide Voice of Democracy contest, Polson High senior Isabel Seeley explores the nation’s foundation, concluding that willingness to participate in our democracy is essential to our future.

“If there is no respect for a country, the country will lose its respect for the people,” she writes. “Therefore, we must embrace and celebrate our democratic culture by participating in debates, voting in elections, and stimulating the economy. With the foundation of dedicated citizens, our country is held strong: united by a common desire to succeed and prosper.”

Seeley, who travels to Washington, D.C., March 2-6 for the national Voice of Democracy contest, says last year’s U.S. History class and this year’s Government class helped her tackle the topic: “What are the greatest attributes of our democracy?”

For her, a crucial attribute is the opportunity the Founding Fathers established for citizens to have a voice in government through voting. “Although one vote may feel like a measly penny against the millions of other votes being cast in this country, it holds the power to create laws, elect representatives, and change the nation for the better,” she writes.

She also perceives our divergent views as a strength. “Democratic people have an inherent tendency for civil disagreement, but fortunately, dispute is vital for the growth and sustenance of a country,” she writes.

As an example, she points to a group of her peers from across the state who filed a so-far successful lawsuit on behalf of their right to a clean and healthful environment that’s enshrined in Montana’s constitution.

“This case stood out to me because it exemplifies democracy and shows that anyone, with the right ideas and resources, has the ability to influence the policies that govern our society, no matter their age, race, or religion,” she writes. “Our democracy flourishes because of citizens who are motivated to do what is best to protect the people’s lives and well beings.”

After writing her essay, Seeley recorded herself reading it, and submitted the essay, recording and application to VFW Post 5652 in Ronan.  

Post Commander Dave Oberwegner says the Voice of Democracy program was started by the Veterans of Foreign Wars in 1947 in the wake of World War II. The VFW also sponsors Patriot’s Pen for middle school students.

“It’s the creativity we have to look at,” he says of judging submissions. “Because every one of them has their own heart that they put into that topic.”

For winning at the state level, Seeley received $2,000, plus $200 for winning at the district level and $150 from the local VFW Auxiliary. The contest offers a $35,000 scholarship to the national winner and other scholarships and incentives ranging from $1,000-$21,000, plus an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., for state winners.

According to Oberwegner, more than 27,000 students across the U.S. and beyond participated this year, and Seeley is one of 54 students who will participate in the Parade of Winners ceremony, which coincides with the annual VFW Washington Conference.

Seeley, who plans to attend Cornell University next fall, maintains a 4.0 GPA while participating in cross-country, track, band, math club and, in her spare time, ski mountaineering. She’s been named a National Merit Scholarship finalist and was recently invited to apply for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.

While her essay celebrates the attributes of our democracy, Seeley says she has some concerns about its future, and our ability “to listen to each other, which I feel is something we've lost in our democracy today.”

“I think that if people stay true to their morals and their values that we'll be able to find a common ground where people can improve our country and make it better,” she said. “I think that's what we should be focusing on.”

The Parade of Winners will be live-streamed March 4 at vfw.org. To listen to Seeley read her essay, head to https://heroes.vfw.org/page/141993/action/1?locale=en-US (entire address required).