Cate Kitcher- Mustangs Ahead
(LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL)- The Victims of Communism (VOC) Essay Contest is announced to Lakewood Ranch High School (LRHS) Students.
Victims of Communism Coordinator, Tamara Fitzgerald, said, “The reason for this scholarship is after Ron DeSantis signed the 2022 Florida House Bill, creating November 7 as Victims of Communism Day, where public schools learn about the impact of communism. We thought that in addition to that there should be opportunities for people in Florida to learn more.”
Registration for the VOC workshop runs through Nov. 12 and requires a $20 enrollment fee. This fee covers a prepaid lunch for both the student and one parent during the main workshop event.
Before attending the workshop, a Parental Consent form must be completed and signed by a guardian.
To participate, students must register online. Attendance at the Nov. 14 Workshop is strictly required for program participation. The program caps overall enrollment at the first 100 students who sign up.
Fitzgerald added, “At this workshop, students can listen to 4 people who experienced communism. One person from North Korea, Cuba, Nicaragua, and Russia. These people will share their stories about how they are victims of communism.”
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Eligibility is limited to high school students living in or attending school within Manatee, DeSoto, and Sarasota Counties.
Students may use AI tools for research, but their final analysis and conclusions must be written in their own words. Additionally, participants are strongly encouraged to download the Student Handbook to review the official rules and judging criteria.
Fitzgerald explained,” Anyone is eligible for this scholarship. We ask if you know anyone or have a connection with communism, but it is not required to apply for the scholarship.”
All essays must be uploaded by Jan. 2, 2027, while exhibits and oratory contestants must attend a live judging competition on Jan. 9, 2027, at 10:00 A.M. at the West Bradenton Baptist Church.
Winners will receive their prizes at an awards ceremony on Feb. 4, 2027, at 6:30 P.M. at the State College of Florida Bradenton Campus auditorium.