For 25 years, Charles Kuralt enthralled national television audiences with his “On the Road” series on CBS. The series showed the lighter side of life, interesting characters and places. His show was the stuff of legend.

Decades before “On the Road” began, though, Kuralt showed a glimpse of his future storytelling by winning the 1948 Veterans of Foreign Wars Voice of Democracy contest. A short video of his memories of the contest can be seen at www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnt5i38_csM.

In it, Kuralt describes winning the local contest as a 14-year-old boy, then advancing to the state, regional and eventually the national contests. The video lasts a little less than 2 minutes.

This is not about Charles Kuralt, but rather an opportunity for local school children to emulate the late TV legend. VFW Post 2572 in Vicksburg and its ladies auxiliary are kicking off this year’s contest — the 55th. The contest is open to all high school students from freshmen through seniors. Students will be competing for more than $2 million in scholarships.

This year’s theme is as important as ever: “Is our Constitution still relevant?”

Information will not be difficult to find. Three months away from a presidential election, both sides of the political spectrum will be lauding our founding document or picking it apart. In this contest, there is no wrong or right answer, but judges will be looking for a cogent argument no matter what side of the issue on which one falls.

The top national winner will receive a $30,000 scholarship, and state winners will receive a trip to Washington, D.C. Local winners will get a $200 cash award. The deadline to enter is Nov. 1. Teachers and students who are interested in competing may contact Tom Tinney at 601-661-6168. Entry forms are available on the VFW’s website — vfw.org.

But wait, there’s more!

Middle school students in grades 6 through 8 can write a 300- to 400-word essay on the topic “What Would I Tell America’s Founding Fathers.” The deadlines and contact information are the same as the high school contest. Middle school students will be competing for a share of $46,000, including a $5,000 national prize.

Not every local student will end up being a Charles Kuralt, but the beloved TV personality got his start with an essay for the VFW.

So get to typing. College can be mighty expensive.

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Sean P. Murphy can be reached at smurphy@vicksburgpost.com