Scottsdale Senior Triumphs as National Contest Champion

For the contest, Sophia Lin created an audio essay based on the subject, “What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?”

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — A BASIS Scottsdale senior has earned first place in a national audio essay contest.

“I genuinely didn’t think it would be me,” said 16-year-old Sophia Lin. “Out of 52 people, 53 people… there’s no way.”

Little did Lin know that she had claimed the top spot in the 2023-2024 VFW Voice of Democracy audio essay contest.

“It was just such a once in a lifetime experience and I’m so grateful,” she said.

For the contest, Lin created an audio essay based on the subject, “What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?”

“I specifically wanted to highlight the stories that weave our democracy,” she said. “I start on an emotionally heavy note, discussing my parents’ immigration story and their pursuit of the American dream.”

Her mother, Baochun Lin, shared her pride in Sophia’s achievement. “We literally came here with nothing,” she said.

“If you work hard and try to be authentic, this country offers so many opportunities,” Baochun Lin said.

Sophia also interviewed a World War II veteran named Dolly.

“A 100-year-old Navy Jewish veteran, who was only 20 years old when she first enlisted,” Sophia explained. “We were around 84 years apart when I interviewed her… but it was just such a blessing to be able to talk to her.”

Dolly contributed as a typewriter operator in the volunteer emergency services.

“It was a beautifully painted picture of how all these individuals make up our democracy,” said Lin.

The experience has opened many doors for Sophia.

“I was able to go to DC for the official ceremony,” she said. “Then we all met up in Pennsylvania at Valley Forge… most recently I went to Kentucky to speak at the National Convention for the Veterans of Foreign Wars.”

She also received a $35,000 scholarship from the national level and additional funds from state and local departments.

Sophia’s parents, Bin Lin and Baochun Lin, couldn’t be prouder.

“The door is open for her,” said Bin Lin. “All the opportunities are presented to her.”

“They believed in me from the start and being able to bring home that national award was just so special,” Sophia said. “You can start impacting others at any age if you put your heart into it.”

Beyond the contest, Sophia has co-founded the nonprofit youth education service iReach and is a member of the Arizona Governor’s Youth Commission. She has also collaborated with several state offices, including those of Congressman Greg Stanton.