Entries are still being accepted for the Veterans of Foreign Wars Patriot’s Pen and Voice of Democracy contest.
The Patriot’s Pen youth essay competition gives students an opportunity to write essays expressing their views on an annual patriotic theme. More than 60,000 students participated last year, the VFW said.
Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, State and national level. Department (State) winners receive a portion of $55,000 in national awards. National Winners will receive at least $500. The first-place national award is currently $5,000.
For the voice of Democracy, this year’s theme is “What a Veteran Taught me About America.” Youth in grades 9-12 are eligible to participate. Entries must be an original, 3-5 minute audio recording (no video) submitted on a flash drive with a typed version of the essay. Music, singing and poetry are not allowed. Each year, 26,000 students participate in the Voice of America contest, vying for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives.
Applications must be submitted with essays. See below PDF files for applications, or contact a member of the VFW chapter.
