October 25, 2022
by: Kurt Camerud
The VFW is dedicated to promoting patriotism and investing in our future generation. A democracy-loving high school student interested in a $30,000 college scholarship or a patriotic middle school student interested in winning $5,000, may be interested in these scholarships.
Voice of Democracy
Established in 1947, the Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regard to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay.
Each year, more than 51,000 9-12 grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $1.9 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program.
All student entries must be submitted to a sponsoring local VFW Post by midnight, Oct. 31.
The 2022-23 theme is: Why Is the Veteran Important?
Patriot’s Pen
Each year more than 138,000 students in grades 6-8 enter the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen youth essay contest for a chance to win their share of more than $900,000 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 and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, DC.
All student entries must be submitted to a sponsoring local VFW Post by midnight, Oct. 31.
The 2022-23 theme is: My Pledge to Our Veterans
Teacher of the Year
Without our nation’s veterans, America wouldn’t be the great nation it is today. Our youth deserve to learn about our rich history, traditions and the role of our veterans in creating and shaping America.
Each year, the Veterans of Foreign Wars selects elementary, middle, and high school teachers to participate in the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher program.
Please review the new rules and eligibility requirements and download the 2022 entry form to nominate a teacher you know. Teacher nomination entries must be received at a local participating VFW Post by the Oct. 31 deadline.
Entry forms for Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen can be downloaded from our local VFW site: post735vfw.org or you can obtain forms from Kurt Camerud, 1600 Sundance Lane, Pocatello, ID.
You can reach Kurt Camerud at 208-705-3478.
Editor’s Note:
Voice of Democracy – Record your original 3-5 minute (+ or – 5 second max.) audio essay on a flash drive, or other electronic device. You will submit the recording, typed essay and a completed entry form. Provide these items to your VFW Post for judging.
Patriot’s Pen – All essays should be typed in English with no color or graphics and 300 – 400 words in length (+ or – 5 word max). The essay must be contestant’s original work and a product of the contestant’s own thinking. The approach to the Patriot’s Pen theme should be positive and clearly focused. Poetry is not acceptable. The body of the essay must not identify you in any way, (including, but not limited to your name, school, city, state, race, or national origin) Quotations may be used sparingly if plainly identified wherever used. A contestant’s teacher, counselor or parent may check the essay for punctuation, grammar and/or spelling, but the content must remain the contestants.
Find contest details and download rules and entry forms, here: VFW Scholarships
