Shiner student wins first place in Texas VFW Voice of Democracy Competition

  • Pictured, left to right, Michael Collins, Sarah Collins, Dave Walden (Texas VFW Commander), Barb Koehn (District 24 Auxiliary President), Madeline Collins, Barbara Hartman (District 24 Auxiliary Secretary and the Auxiliary Scholarship Chair), Kenneth O. Preston (13th SMA(R)) and Andy Rosales (District 24 Commander).
    Pictured, left to right, Michael Collins, Sarah Collins, Dave Walden (Texas VFW Commander), Barb Koehn (District 24 Auxiliary President), Madeline Collins, Barbara Hartman (District 24 Auxiliary Secretary and the Auxiliary Scholarship Chair), Kenneth O. Preston (13th SMA(R)) and Andy Rosales (District 24 Commander).

    For Madeline Collins, patriotism has never been about a single moment or a loud declaration. It is something built over time, through gratitude, service, and a willingness to show up for others.
    That belief earned the Shiner High School junior the highest honor in the Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Voice of Democracy competition, as Collins was named first-place winner at the state level after advancing through Post and District competition.
    Collins represented VFW Post 6209 of Shiner and District 24 and was recognized during the Texas VFW Mid-Winter Banquet, where she was awarded a $10,000 scholarship. 
    As the state champion, Collins will go on to represent Texas at the National Voice of Democracy competition, where students from across the country compete for national scholarships and recognition in Williamsburg, VA. 
    Her winning essay, Portfolio of Patriotism, used art as a metaphor to explore how her understanding of patriotism has evolved through lived experience and service.
    “True patriotism is shown through consistent acts of service, especially to those who’ve already served us,” Collins wrote.
    In the essay, Collins reflected on how patriotism is shaped not only by history and tradition, but by action, something she practices daily through leadership, volunteer work, and service within her community.
    “Patriotism isn’t just pride; it’s participation,” she wrote, emphasizing the responsibility individuals share in honoring freedom through service.
    Collins’ perspective has been shaped by personal experience. Her mother served eight years in the Army Reserves as a combat medic, and family stories of military service helped form her understanding of sacrifice and freedom at a young age. 
    Over time, that foundation grew into a commitment to service that continues to influence her academic, leadership, and community involvement.
    Collins is the daughter of Mike and Sarah Collins of Shiner and is a junior at Shiner High School, where she is active in academics, leadership, and community service. 
    She plans to pursue a future career in large exotic veterinary medicine, with long-term goals focused on conservation and animal care.
    As she prepares to represent Texas on the national stage, Collins hopes her portfolio of patriotism reflects not just achievement, but character, built one act of service at a time.


    VFW Student Scholarship Opportunities


    The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) offers two national scholarship programs designed to encourage students to explore patriotism, citizenship, and service:
    Voice of Democracy: Open to high school students in grades 9-12, this program challenges students to express their views on a patriotic theme through a recorded audio essay. State and national winners receive scholarship awards and recognition.
    Patriot’s Pen: Open to middle school students in grades 6-8, Patriot’s Pen invites younger students to write an essay on a patriotic topic, with opportunities to advance from the local Post level to state and national competition.
    Both programs are sponsored locally through participating VFW Posts and provide students with opportunities for scholarships, leadership development, and civic engagement.
    More information about Voice of Democracy, Patriot’s Pen, and local participation opportunities can be found at www.vfw.org.