how to write a patriot's pen essay

PATRIOT'S PEN

2024-2025 THEME: 

"My Voice in America's Democracy"

WHAT IS THE PATRIOT’S PEN?

Conducted nationwide, this VFW-sponsored youth essay competition gives students an opportunity to write essays expressing their views on an annual patriotic theme. We invite you to join the more than 73,000 students who participated last year in this contest.  

WHO CAN ENTER?

Patriot’s Pen is open to 6th, 7th and 8th-grade students enrolled by the Oct. 31 deadline in public, private or parochial schools in the U.S., its territories or its possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Home-schooled students also are eligible. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application which has not been denied) and intends to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. (Foreign exchange students are ineligible.)

PATRIOT’S PEN Deadlines: The deadlines for Patriot’s Pen are as follows:

 1.     Midnight, October 31, Entries to the Post*

2.    November 15, Completion of Post judging**

3.    December 10, Completion of District judging**

4.    December 10, January 15, Posts need to submit report on dashboard to acknowledge that they participated in Patriot Pen*

5.    December 13, Email or fax a copy of your winning essay to the email or fax above*(Email preferred)

6.    December 15, District winning entry packet  with head shot picture of winner must be received by Department Chairman*

7.    January 10, Completion of Department judging**

8.    January 15, District participation reports to Department Chairman* District chairmen should roll up the post reports into one District report. All District reports must be received by 15 January and include the phone number and email address of the chairman of that district .*

9.    January 15, Districts must submit a report and approve post reports on dashboard to acknowledge that the posts and District participated in Patriot Pen*

10.  January 15, Department winners to National*

11.  January 31, Department reports to National*

  *required deadlines

**suggested deadlines

DO NOT mail District entries and required forms to State Headquarters!

Mail them directly to the State Patriot’s Pen Chairman!

Department (State) Awards:

First, second, and third place state winners will receive awards presented by State Chairman at the Mid-Winter Conference.

Click here to view the Rules & Eligibility Requirements:  Patriots-Pen-Rules-and-Eligibility.pdf

Click here to download the current year Entry Form:  Patriots-Pen-Entry-Form-Fillable.pdf

  Contact our State Patr iot's Pen Chairman for more information:

Address 10185 Mammoth Baton Rouge, LA 70814 Contact Us via Email Phone: 225.928-5025

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VFW Now Accepting Applications for its Annual Youth Scholarship Contests

Middle and high school students compete for share of awards totaling nearly $3 million.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is now accepting entries for its 78th annual 2024-2025 Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen youth scholarship competitions. This year’s themes ask America’s high school students “Is America Today Our Forefathers' Vision?” while middle school students will have the opportunity to contemplate, “My Voice in America's Democracy?”

The Voice of Democracy audio-essay competition is open to high school students in ninth-12th grades, with the national first place prize scholarship totaling $35,000. The first place Department (state) winners receive a special Parade of Winners trip to Washington, D.C., sponsored by Twisted X, where they compete for more than $170,000 in national scholarship awards. Nearly 22,000 high school students worldwide compete in the competition each year. This year’s winner, Sophia Lin, is a junior at BASIS Scottsdale in Scottsdale, Arizona, and was sponsored by Scottsdale VFW Post 3513. Listen to her read her award-winning audio-essay  during the 2024 Parade of Winners ceremony at the VFW’s annual Washington Conference.

Open to middle school students in sixth through eighth grade, nearly 55,800 students participate annually in the Patriot’s Pen essay competition. Bryant Day, the 2023-2024 Patriot’s Pen first place winner, was sponsored by VFW Post 9943 and its Auxiliary in Mansfield, Ohio. Listen as he delivered his award-winning essay .

Student entries may be submitted (along with a completed entry form) to their local participating VFW Post. The deadline for both contests is Oct. 31, 2024.

Read more about the contests , or submit your essay and entry form at your local participating VFW Post .

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The Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest

By Eric Eng

The Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest is a nationwide competition encouraging middle school students to express their thoughts on patriotism and American history. The contest, sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars ( VFW ), has been running for over three decades and inspires young writers nationwide.

In today’s society, where polarization and division seem prevalent, fostering a sense of patriotism and love for one’s country is more important than ever.

This competition provides an excellent opportunity for students to reflect on what America means to them and how they can contribute to making it a better place. Through this blog post, we aim to shed light on the significance of the Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest, its impact on students, and why it is crucial for young people to participate in this competition.

We will provide a detailed overview of the contest, its objectives, its benefits, and tips for writing a winning essay. Ultimately, we hope to inspire more students to participate in the contest and contribute to a brighter future for our country.

History and Origin of the Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest

The Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest is an annual competition created by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) in 1995. The VFW is a non-profit organization that has been supporting veterans and their families since 1899.

The contest was established to encourage middle school students to reflect on the meaning of patriotism and the significance of American history. Since its inception, the contest has received thousands of entries from students across the United States.

The contest has several objectives and goals. Firstly, it promotes patriotism and encourages young people to learn about American history and its significance. Secondly, it seeks to foster critical thinking and writing skills among middle school students.

Finally, the contest aims to recognize and reward talented young writers and inspire them to pursue careers in writing, journalism, or related fields.

What are the rules and requirements of the Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest?

What are the rules and requirements of the Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest? The Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest is open to all middle school students in grades 6-8. Each year, the VFW announces a theme for the essay, typically related to patriotism and American history. Essays must be between 300-400 words and typed or legibly handwritten in English.

Each essay must also be submitted with a completed entry form signed by the student and a parent or legal guardian. The submission deadline is typically in October of each year, and winners are announced in December. Winners receive various prizes, including scholarships , plaques, and certificates of achievement.

Significance of the Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest

Fostering love for one’s country.

The contest is essential in fostering a love for one’s country among young people. By reflecting on the themes of patriotism and American history, students can explore and appreciate the ideals and values that make America unique.

Through this contest, they can develop a deep understanding and appreciation for their country, inspiring them to become responsible citizens who contribute to improving their communities.

Encouraging Civic Engagement and Responsibility

Participating in the contest encourages students to become more engaged in their communities and to take an active role in shaping the future of their country. Students can develop a sense of responsibility towards their country and their fellow citizens by reflecting on important issues related to patriotism and American history.

The contest provides a platform for students to share their ideas and opinions, which can help to promote dialogue and encourage positive change.

Promoting Critical Thinking and Writing Skills

The Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest is an excellent way to promote critical thinking and writing skills among middle school students. By requiring students to reflect on complex themes related to patriotism and American history, the contest encourages students to think deeply and develop their analytical skills.

Additionally, the contest allows students to develop their writing skills, including grammar, syntax, and style. These skills are crucial for college success , and the contest provides an excellent platform for developing them.

What are the benefits of participating in the Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest?

What are the benefits of participating in the Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest? Participating in the Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest can help students develop confidence and self-expression. By sharing their thoughts and ideas on complex themes related to patriotism and American history, students can develop confidence in their ability to express themselves effectively.

This can translate into other areas of their lives, such as public speaking and interpersonal communication, which can be valuable skills for success in the future.

The contest allows students to develop leadership qualities. By participating in the contest, students can develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, which are essential for leadership. Additionally, the contest provides a platform for students to share their ideas and opinions, which can help develop their communication and collaboration skills. These skills can be useful for success in school, college, and beyond.

Participating in the contest can also give students recognition and awards. Winners of the contest receive various prizes, including scholarships, plaques, and certificates of achievement. These awards can give students a sense of accomplishment and recognition for their hard work and dedication.

Additionally, winning the contest can help students stand out on college applications and boost their resumes. Even if a student does not win the contest, participating can provide valuable experience and skills to benefit their future endeavors.

Examples of winning essays from the Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest

The winning essays from the Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest often convey powerful messages about patriotism and American history. Many essays focus on the importance of democracy, freedom, and sacrifice. The essays often highlight the struggles and triumphs of America’s history and how these events have shaped the country’s identity.

Through their writing, the students demonstrate a deep understanding and appreciation for their country and a commitment to its ideals and values.

The winning essays from the contest can be a source of inspiration for aspiring writers. By reading these essays, students can gain insight into the qualities that make a winning essay, such as creativity, clarity, and originality. The essays can also provide a model for students looking to improve their writing skills .

By studying the structure and style of the winning essays, students can gain valuable experience and learn techniques that can be applied to their writing. Finally, the essays can inspire students to think deeply about the themes of patriotism and American history and to develop their unique perspectives on these important topics.

Tips for writing a winning essay for the Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest

If you’re a middle school student looking to participate in the Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest, you may wonder how to write a winning essay. This section will provide some tips for choosing a strong topic and theme, structuring an effective essay, and proofreading and editing for clarity and coherence.

By following these tips, you can increase your chances of creating a compelling and well-written essay that stands out among the competition.

Choosing a Strong Topic and Theme

To write a winning essay for the contest, choosing a strong topic and theme is important. Start by brainstorming ideas related to the current year’s theme, and choose a unique and engaging topic. Consider incorporating personal experiences or anecdotes that illustrate the theme and make the essay more relatable. Ensure the topic is well-defined and focused, and avoid being too broad or general in your approach.

Structuring an Effective Essay

It is important to follow a clear and concise format to structure an effective essay for the contest. Start with an attention-grabbing introduction that sets the tone for the essay and provides context for the reader.

Use the body paragraphs to develop your ideas and provide evidence to support your arguments. Ensure each paragraph is well-organized and focused, with a clear topic sentence and supporting details. Finally, end with a strong conclusion summarizing your main points and leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

Proofreading and Editing for Clarity and Coherence

To ensure your essay is clear and coherent, it is essential to proofread and edit your work carefully. Start by reviewing your essay for grammar and spelling errors, and make sure your sentences are clear and concise. Check that your ideas flow logically from one paragraph to the next, and ensure your transitions are smooth and effective.

Consider having someone else review your essay as well, as they may be able to provide helpful feedback and suggestions for improvement. Finally, ensure you have followed all the rules and requirements of the contest and that your essay is within the word limit.

In conclusion, the Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest is a valuable opportunity for middle school students to reflect on the themes of patriotism and American history.

By participating in the contest, students can develop critical thinking and writing skills, leadership qualities, and a sense of civic responsibility. The contest provides a platform for students to share their ideas and opinions and gain recognition and awards for their hard work and dedication.

The contest is important for fostering a love for one’s country, promoting civic engagement and responsibility, and developing young people’s critical thinking and writing skills. The contest inspires students to become responsible citizens who contribute to improving their communities by encouraging them to reflect on complex themes related to patriotism and American history.

Additionally, the contest provides a valuable opportunity for students to develop skills crucial for success in school, college, and beyond.

We strongly encourage all middle school students to participate in the Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest. Whether you are an aspiring writer or simply looking for a way to express your love for your country, this contest provides a valuable opportunity to develop your skills and share your ideas.

So, take the challenge, choose a strong topic and theme, structure your essay effectively, and proofread and edit your work carefully. By participating in the contest, you can join the ranks of talented young writers who have used their skills to inspire and motivate others.

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PATRIOT PEN

Patriot's Pen Entry Form  

Patriot's Pen Brochure

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6/24  CHECK BACK FOR INPORTANT UPDATES..

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Conducted nationwide, this VFW-sponsored youth essay competition gives 6 th -, 7 th - and 8 th grade students an opportunity to write essays expressing their views on an annual patriotic theme.  This year’s theme is, "My Voice in America's Democracy"

CRITERIA:  The Patriot’s Pen is open to students in grades 6-8, who are enrolled in a public, private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application for which has not been denied) and intends to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. Foreign exchange students and former winners that placed in the National contest are excluded from the contest.

HOW TO SUBMIT:   Students will submit their Patriot’s Pen entry utilizing the Scholar’s App Scholarship Platform, an electronic scholarship entry and tracking platform.  Each Post will have their own flyer with a QR code for the Patriot’s Pen scholarship program.  Students will use the QR code to open the program and complete the application and their e ssay.  Essay length: 300 – 400 words (+ or – 5 words max).  You must write your own essay.  All essays should be typed in English with no color or graphics and cannot be less than 300 words or greater than 400 words in length.  Essays under or over these word amounts will be eliminated.  Every word is counted regardless of length.  The essay title (theme) or added footnotes do not contribute to the word count.

In no way may students identify themselves within their essay (including, but not limited to, your name, school, city, state, race or national origin.) Do not put your name on your essay.   Students are allowed to enter only once each year if otherwise eligible (one Post competition).   Students found in violation of this rule will face elimination from the competition and will be required to return all prize money awarded or received. 

The essay must be a student’s original work and a product of the student’s own thinking.   The approach to the Patriot’s Pen theme should be positive and clearly focused.   Poetry is not acceptable.   Quotations may be used sparingly if plainly identified wherever used.   A student’s teacher, counselor or parent may check the essay for punctuation, grammar and/or spelling, but the content must remain the students.   Students will be judged based on their essay alone and are not required to present the essay orally.

In the event a student cannot use Scholar’s App they may submit their entry form and essay via email or hard copy to their local Post for judging.  If submitting hardcopy, t he entry form is your essay’s cover sheet.  Secure the Official Student Entry Form with a staple or other fastener on top of your essay.

If submitting to a school/group competition for judging.   Submit the hardcopy as outlined above.

DEADLINES:  The following deadlines shall be adhered to:

• October 31, 2024 – Student entries to the Post 
• November 15, 2024 – Post winner submitted to the District 
• December 15, 2024 – District winners submitted to the Department
•   January 10, 2025 – Completion of Department judging
•   January 15, 2025 – District participation reports due to Department Chairperson
•   January 15, 2025 – Department winners submitted to National
•   January 31, 2025 – Department reports due to National

ALL-AMERICAN REQUIREMENTS:  Post must submit one candidate to District for judging and make a report via the All-American Dashboard.

ALL-STATE REQUIREMENTS:  Post must submit one candidate to District for judging, make a report via the Department reporting system, and the District Chairperson must annotate the Post’s participation on the District participation report.

District must submit one candidate to Department for judging.

AWARDS:   The First-Place winner is invited to the Mid-Winter Conference to read his/her speech.   Second and Third place shall be recognized locally.      

• First place - $1,000.00 and a plaque
• Second Place - $750.00 and a plaque
• Third Place - $500.00 and a plaque

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PATRIOT'S PEN

Patriot's Pen

National Patriots Pen link

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Patriot's Pen Essay Contest

Ages: Middle School

Type: Submission

Scope: National

[email protected] (816) 756-3390

Participate

Conducted nationwide, this VFW-sponsored youth essay competition gives students an opportunity to write essays expressing their views on an annual patriotic theme. We invite you to join the more than 120,000 students who participated last year in this contest. The national winners will receive at least $500. The first-place national award is currently $5,000 plus an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C., for the winner and a parent or guardian.

Submit an essay based on the year's topic and requirements.

Website: https://www.vfw.org/community/youth-and-education/youth-scholarships

Managing Organization: Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)

Contact: [email protected] (816) 756-3390

Eligibility: The Patriot's Pen program is open to students in grades 6-8 (on the October 31 deadline), who are enrolled in a public, private or parochial school or home study program in the United States and its territories.

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PATRIOTS PEN

POST CHAIRMAN - DON HOFFMAN

DISTRICT CHAIRMAN - MONTY PARR

DEPARTMENT CHAIRMAN -  DEBBIE McELHANNON  

PATRIOT'S PEN

2021-2022 Theme: "How Can I Be A Good American?"

WHAT IS THE PATRIOT’S PEN?

Conducted nationwide, this VFW-sponsored youth essay competition encourages students to use their minds and knowledge of America’s history and their experience of today’s American society to write essays expressing their views on an annual patriotic theme. We invite you to join the more than 138,000 students who participated last year in this contest. Patriot’s Pen gives 6 th , 7 th , and 8 th  grade students the opportunity to express their opinion on a patriotic theme and improve their writing skills, while they compete for awards and prizes. The awards from all levels of the competition total $1.2 million each year. Each Department (state) first place winner competes at the national level for $55,000 in award money. The first place national winner receives $5,000 and an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C., for the winner and a parent or guardian. Each state winner will receive at least $500 at the national level. The National Association of Secondary School Principals has placed this program on their National Advisory List of Contests for participation.

The theme for the Annual VFW Patriot’s Pen Essay is "How Can I Be A Good American?”. The contest is open to all students in the 6th, 7th and 8th grades in public, private, parochial schools, as well as, home-schooled children in the United States and its territories or its possessions and dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Former first place state winners are not eligible to compete again. Foreign exchange students, adults and former winners that placed in the National contest are not eligible to compete. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application cannot have been denied) and intends to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. Brochures on the program were mailed to all Post Commanders and Auxiliary Presidents. Schools should be contacted as soon as they open for the current year in order that the teachers can include the contest in the lesson plans. Posts are responsible for giving their area schools Patriot’s Pen pamphlets. You can check the program on the web at  https://www.vfw.org/patriotspen  to see requirements and print the entry forms.  

The essay must be typed in English and be 300-400 words in length. Poetry is not accepted. Word count does not include the title or footnotes.  NO GRAPHICS OR COLOR ALLOWED .  The essay must be a contestant’s original work and a product of the contestant’s own thinking. Contestants will NOT identify themselves within their essay to include, but not limited to, their name, school, city, state, race or national origin. Do not put the students name on the essay; use the entry form as the cover sheet.

VERY IMPORTANT: POST CHAIRMAN SHOULD pursue a notice in local media.

Posts may submit one winning entry to the District for judging.  Districts may submit one winning entry to the Department Chairman.

WINNING ENTRIES ADVANCED FOR JUDGING MUST HAVE THE FOLLOWING:

1. Official entry form and info required. Forms may be printed from online at www.vfw.org

2. Three typed copies of the essay

PATRIOT’S PEN Deadlines: The deadlines for Patriot’s Pen are as follows:

 1.     Midnight, October 31, Entries to the Post*

2.    November 15, Completion of Post judging**

3.    December 10, Completion of District judging**

4.    December 10, January 15, Posts need to submit report on dashboard to acknowledge that they participated in Patriot Pen*

5.    December 13, Email or fax a copy of your  winning essay  to the email or fax above*(Email preferred)

6.    December 15, District  winning entry packet with head shot picture of winner must be received by Department Chairman*

7.    January 10, Completion of Department judging**

8.    January 15, District participation reports to Department Chairman* District chairmen should roll up the post reports into one District report. All District reports must be received by 15 January and  include the phone number and email address of the chairman of that district .*

9.    January 15, Districts must submit a report and approve post reports on dashboard to acknowledge that the posts and District participated in Patriot Pen*

10.  January 15, Department winners to National*

11.  January 31, Department reports to National*

*required deadlines

**suggested deadlines

DO NOT mail District entries and required forms to State Headquarters.  Mail them directly to the State Patriot’s Pen Chairman in above heading.

Note: It’s critical that the Post/District reports be accurate. Ask for guidance if something is unclear.

Points Value in judging is as follows:

             Knowledge of Theme -           30 pts

            Theme Development  -           35 pts

             Clarity of Ideas            -            35 pts

            Possible Total             -           100 pts

First, second, and third place state winners will receive awards presented by State Chairman at the Mid-Winter Conference.

 An entry for judging at the next higher level is a requirement for All-State selection.

Individual awards will not be permitted to be presented by the respective District Chairmen at the Mid-Winter Conference. These awards SHOULD BE PRESENTED AT THE DISTRICT'S AWARDS PROGRAM. Posts and Districts are encouraged to present awards to their respective entries.

OTHER GUIDELINES:

If the  school does not participate ,  or if there are no schools in your area, the Post should contact student(s)and have them participate in a Post contest with the Post winner being entered into the District competition.  Home-schooled children,  your child, grandchild, or a friend's child might just be interested in winning a scholarship. Do not lose the opportunity to have your Post or Auxiliary compete in the Patriot’s Pen contest.

Posts and Auxiliaries should make their awards as large as possible. WE HAVE TO have an incentive for the teachers to push the program in order to get larger student participation. Many Posts and Auxiliaries have an Awards Night at the Post Home for teachers, community leaders and students. Some schools request that it be held at a school function. Whichever is done, make sure the students are rewarded and the community is aware of it. It is suggested that each Post and/or Auxiliary present some sort of citation to participating winners, students, teachers, etc. Citations can be ordered from the National Emblem and Supply Catalog. Department can help you create a citation also.

  All entries, including Home Schools , must be judged at the VFW Post level. The only exception is where schools/classes/youth groups have large numbers of students and wish to conduct their own competition, submitting one winner for each 15 students to the local VFW Post competition. Individual students may submit their entry directly to the local VFW Post within your U.S. state of residence provided they have not competed in a school class competition.

Click here to view the Rules & Eligibility Requirements:  Patriots-Pen-Rules-and-Eligibility.pdf

Click here to download the current year Entry Form:  Patriots-Pen-Entry-Form-Fillable.pdf

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PATRIOT'S PEN

Patriot's pen.

Each year, nearly 68,800 students in sixth through eighth grades enter the VFW’s  Patriot’s Pen  youth essay contest for a chance to win their share of more than $1.4 million in state and national awards. Each first place state winner receives a minimum of $500 at the national level, and the national first place winner wins $5,000! 

The essay contest encourages young minds to examine America’s history, along with their own experiences in modern American society, by drafting a 300- to 400-word essay, expressing their views based on a patriotic theme chosen by the VFW Commander-in-Chief. Before submitting your essay,  read the rules and eligibility requirements , and  find your sponsoring  local VFW Post  as applications must be turned in by  midnight, Oct. 31 .  Download and complete the 2024-2025 entry form here . 

The 2024-25 theme is:  "My Voice in America's Democracy?"

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PATRIOT'S PEN

What is patriot's pen.

•  Essay length: 300-400 typewritten words (+ or - 5 words max)
• You must write your own essay
• All entries begin at the VFW Post level. The only exception is where schools/classes/youth groups have large numbers of students and wish to conduct their own competition, submitting one winner for each 15 students to the VFW Post. Individual students may submit their entry directly to the Post. The contest consists of four levels. The first level (entry) is sponsored by VFW Posts. Post winners advance, one for every 15 entries, to the VFW District (regional) level where the one first-place winner is advanced to the VFW Department (state) level. The first-place winner at the Department level is then advanced into the VFW national competition. 

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State Adjutant/QM

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Office Administrator

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Department Veteran Service Officer

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Veterans Service Officer

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Veteran Service Officer

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Phone: 201-336-6329

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Outreach Coordinator

Phone: 609-569-2176

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PATRIOT'S PEN

Conducted nationwide, this VFW-sponsored youth essay competition gives students an opportunity to write essays expressing their views on an annual patriotic theme. We invite you to join the more than 138,000 students who participated last year in this contest. The national winners will receive at least $500. The first-place national award is currently $5,000. The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) has again approved this contest for its National Advisory List of Contests and Activities.   VFW’s Commander-in-Chief annually chooses the year’s theme. The 2024-25 theme is   " My Voice in America's Democracy?"   A big thank you to the North Carolina Military Order of the Cootie for sponsoring these monetary awards!   Entry Form   Eligibility   Score Sheet   For further information, please contact our Department Chairman, Jeff Friar.    Phone: (704) 953-6408 Email: [email protected]   

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YOUTH ESSAYS

Youth Scholarships

The VFW is dedicated to promoting patriotism and investing in our future generation. If you are a democracy-loving high school student interested in a $35,000 college scholarship or a patriotic middle school student interested in winning $5,000, these scholarships may be for you.

Voice of Democracy

Established in 1947, our  Voice of Democracy  audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay.  Each year, nearly 25,000 ninth through 12th grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $1 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program. 

The national first place winner receives a $35,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school. A complete list of other national scholarships range from $1,000-$21,000, and the first place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins at least a scholarship of $1,000. Before submitting your essay, download the  2024-2025 entry form here  and find your sponsoring  local VFW Post  as applications must be turned in by  midnight, Oct. 31 . 

The 2024-25 theme is:  "Is America Today Our Forefathers' Vision?"

About the 2023-2024 winner ...

Sophia Lin, a high school junior at BASIS Scottsdale in Scottsdale, Arizona, was named the 2023-2024 Voice of Democracy first place winner. Sophia's speech on the theme, "What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?" won her a $35,000 college scholarship. Sophia was sponsored by Scottsdale VFW Post 3513.  Watch as Sophia delivered her speech during the VFW's Parade of Winners award  ceremony or  read it here .

Want to catch up on everything that happened this year? You can watch the full  Parade of Winners ceremony  which was streamed live on Facebook, or  see this year's complete list of winners .

Patriot's Pen

Each year, nearly 68,800 students in sixth through eighth grades enter the VFW’s  Patriot’s Pen  youth essay contest for a chance to win their share of nearly $1 million in state and national awards. Each first place state winner receives a minimum of $500 at the national level, and the national first place winner wins $5,000! 

The essay contest encourages young minds to examine America’s history, along with their own experiences in modern American society, by drafting a 300- to 400-word essay, expressing their views based on a patriotic theme chosen by the VFW Commander-in-Chief. Before submitting your essay,  download the 2024-2025 entry form here  and  find your sponsoring  local VFW Post  as applications must be turned in by  midnight, Oct. 31 . 

The 2024-25 theme is:  "My Voice in America's Democracy?"

Bryant Day, an eighth grade student from Ashland, Ohio, was named the 2023-2024 Patriot's Pen first place winner. His essay on the theme, "How Are You Inspired by America?" won the national first place $5,000 award. Bryant was sponsored by VFW Post 9943 and its Auxiliary in Mansfield, Ohio.

Watch as Bryant delivered his winning essay  during the VFW's Parade of Winners streamed live on Facebook, or  read  his essay here.  See the complete list of 2024 national winners .

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PATRIOT'S PEN

Patriot's pen.

Each year, nearly 68,800 students in sixth through eighth grades enter the VFW’s  Patriot’s Pen  youth essay contest for a chance to win their share of nearly $1 million in state and national awards. Each first place state winner receives a minimum of $500 at the national level, and the national first place winner wins $5,000! 

The essay contest encourages young minds to examine America’s history, along with their own experiences in modern American society, by drafting a 300- to 400-word essay, expressing their views based on a patriotic theme chosen by the VFW Commander-in-Chief. Before submitting your essay,  read the rules and eligibility requirements , and  find your sponsoring  local VFW Post  as applications must be turned in by  midnight, Oct. 31 .  Download and complete the 2023-2024 entry form here . 

The 2023-24 theme is:  "How Are You Inspired by America?"

About the 2022-2023 winner ...

Leighton Peters, a seventh grade student from Rice Lake, Wisconsin, was named the 2022-2023 Patriot's Pen first place winner. Her essay on the theme, "My Pledge to Our Veterans" won her a $5,000 award. Leighton was sponsored by VFW Post 2204 and its Auxiliary in Rice Lake, Wisconsin.

Watch as Leighton delivered her winning essay , during the VFW's Parade of Winners streamed live on Facebook, or  read  her essay here.  See the complete list of 2023 national winners .

Address 2831 The Plaza Charlotte, NC 28205 Contact Us via Email Phone: 704-332-3669

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