VFW Auxiliary has Programs for Youth

VFW Auxiliary is offering contests for grades 6-12.

Patriot Pen is for grades 6-8 and is offered to any student in those grades. They must be enrolled in a public, private or parochial school or home study program in the U.S. and its territories. The student does not have to be related to a VFW or VFW Auxiliary member to participate, but all entries must be submitted to a local VFW Post. Deadline is October 31.

Scholarship requirements are a 300-400 word essay expressing their views on HOW CAN I BE A GOOD AMERICAN.

Judging is local, winners moving to national for a scholarship with each member receiving a minimum amount of $500 or more dollars.

The Voice of Democracy is for grades 9-12 and is the guideline as Patriot Pen in that they don’t need to be related to anyone who is a VFW member but has to submit to a VFW Post.

Scholarship submission requirements are a student records their essay to a flash drive/USB or electronically via an audio file attached to an email. CD’s are not accepted. The recording can be no shorter than three minutes and no longer than five (plus or minus a few seconds). Their recording, typed, version of their essay and the version of their essay along with the entry form must be submitted to their local VFW Post by October 31. The scholarship for first place winner at the national level is $30,000 and goes to the college etc. of the student’s choice. The first place winner from each VFW state wins a minimum of $1,000.

The third scholarship is the CREATIVE ART CONTEST, grades 9-12 enrolled in some type of educational program with a deadline of March 31, 2022.

Digital art, photography and jewelry are not accepted. Two Dimensional submissions of art must be on a canvas or paper, and can include: water colors, pencil, pastel, charcoal, tempera, crayon, pen, ink, oil, marker or other media may be used. Two dimensional should not be framed. Submit canvas entries on a stretcher frame or canvas board. Other entries MUST be matted white only. Backs are to be reinforced with heavy paper. Mounted or floating mats may be used.

Art should be no smaller the 8”x10” in any direction, but no larger than 18”x24” including mat. Art cannot weigh more than five pounds. Entries can be paper, papier-mache, pottery, metal work, fabric, wood, etc.

Entries will be judged on the originality of concept, presentation and patriotism expressed, content of how it relates to patriotism and clarity of ideas, design technique and total impact of work. First place at national is $15,000; 2nd-$75,000; 3rd- $3,500; 4th-5th-$1,000; sixth through tenth is $500.

All information has be sent to the county schools for dispensing to the correct instructor in charge.

Questions can be directed to Sharon Kindle, Patriot Chair, 406-654-4283.