KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. is now accepting entries for its 2018-19 Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen youth scholarship competitions. The announcement comes just a week after the VFW’s 2018 Legislative Conference concluded in Washington, D.C., where the top students from across the globe were recognized.
Dedicated to encouraging a better understanding and appreciation of America, the VFW’s Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen essay competitions help foster patriotism among today’s youth. The programs also foster friendly competition as well as rewards success in the form of some $3 million in scholarship monies being distributed.
The Voice of Democracy theme for 2018-19 asks high school students to reflect on “Why My Vote Matters.” The audio-essay competition is open to all students in grades 9-12, with the top prize being a $30,000 scholarship award. Nearly 40,000 high school students complete in the annual competition. This year’s winner was Robyn Anzulis, sponsored by VFW Post 10076 and its Auxiliary in Mt. Airy, Md. Listen to her award-winning audio-essay here.
The Patriot’s Pen essay competition is open to all students in grades 6-8, and the 2018-19 competition asks students to examine the statement, “Why I Honor the American Flag.” The first-place winner will receive a $5,000 award. More than 132,000 students competed in this year’s Patriot’s Pen competition, with the first-place winner being Karolina Mazur, sponsored by VFW Post 521 and its Auxiliary in Owings Mills, Md. Listen to her award-winning entry here.
Student entries may be submitted (along with a completed entry form) to their local participating VFW Post. The deadline for both contests is October 31, 2018.
Find your local VFW Post, or read more about the contests.