From Alconbury MHS to Independence Hall

ALCONBURY, UK – Last October, Alconbury Middle High School (AMHS) senior Grant Cumming sat down to write a speech for his Air Force Junior ROTC class. The prompt was timely and profound: “How are you showing patriotism and support for your country?” Little did he know that these words would eventually carry him across the Atlantic for an unforgettable experience in the birthplace of American democracy.

The Voice of Democracy (VOD) is a storied annual competition sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). For Grant, the process began as a graded assignment within his AFJROTC curriculum. While the competition at AMHS is always fierce, with speeches vetted by a panel of teachers, Grant’s path to victory took a unique turn.

Though he wasn’t the initial top pick at the school level, the members of VFW Post 605 in Paris saw something special in his message. They selected Grant’s speech to represent their post, elevating it to the VFW Department of Europe level. There, Grant achieved the highest honor, being named the best in Europe and securing an all-expenses-paid trip to Philadelphia to represent the region.

In Philadelphia, Grant joined 50 state winners and the Pacific winner for a deep dive into American heritage. The itinerary was a patriot’s dream, featuring visits to Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, where he stood where the nation’s founding documents were signed. He also visited Valley Forge and Gettysburg, walking the hallowed grounds of pivotal moments in U.S. history, and attended a national gala to listen to the top three national finishers.

Reflecting on the trip, Grant was most moved by the peers he met. “It was a fantastic trip and well worth the effort,” he shared. “I met so many amazing individuals, from a Coast Guard Reservist to a student with over 1,200 hours of community service.”

While Grant was impressed by his fellow delegates, his own resume is equally distinguished. A true "all-rounder," Grant is a versatile three-season varsity athlete, President of the Executive Council, and served as the Squadron Commander for last summer's UK Cadet Leadership Course. His dedication to service has already earned him a nomination to West Point!

Grant’s success is a reflection of the opportunities available within DoWEA schools and the AFJROTC program. By finding his voice and sharing his perspective on patriotism, he didn’t just earn an all-expense paid trip to Philadelphia, he represented the VFW Department Europe at the national level of this prestigious high school competition.

Grant's success is a shining example for his younger siblings and peers of what can be achieved through dedication and a strong voice. It reinforces Alconbury's long-standing tradition of student excellence, proving that our close-knit community produces exceptional leaders. As he moves on to study Political Science and Economics at the University of Arizona this fall, Grant leaves a lasting impression on the entire AMHS community. Congratulations, Grant! "Once a Dragon, Always a Dragon!