PLEASANT HILL — The Pleasant Hill Memorial Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6557 invites local junior high and high school students to participate in the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen Youth Essay Contest and Voice of Democracy Contest.
This contest provides students with the opportunity to express themselves regarding a democratic and patriotic-themed essay. Both contests are open to students enrolled in public, private, or parochial high school or home study programs in the United States, its territories and possessions; or in an overseas U.S. military/civilian dependent school.
The VFW’s Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen essay competitions are dedicated to promoting patriotism among our nation’s youth. Students are asked to submit an essay in response to a question or statement on a subject that prompts them to consider how democratic ideals and principles apply to their lives.
This competition begins at the local Post level, Post winners advance to the District and then to the State competition. Prizes are awarded to the winners at each level. State winners compete nationally for U.S. Savings Bonds and more than $2.5 million in scholarships and incentives.
The Voice of Democracy Contest is for high school students This year’s theme is “Is America Today Our Forefathers’ Vision?” Students are required to write and record an original 3-to-5-minute essay on a CD or USB drive. Entries are judged on originality, content and delivery.
The Patriot’s Pen contest is open to sixth, seventh, and eighth-grade students. This year’s theme is “My Voice in America’s Democracy?” This contest is a written essay of 300-400 words, in which students are judged on knowledge of the theme, theme development, and clarity of ideas.
The essay and completed entry form must be submitted by Thursday, Oct. 31 to your local VFW or Pleasant Hill VFW Post #6557 by mail @ PO Box 133 Pleasant Hill, OH 45359 or in person.
Cash prizes for both contests to first, second, and third place entries will be awarded from VFW 6557.
For questions about the contests and entry forms contact chairman Kris Byrd at 937-216-1223 or email at [email protected].
