VFW Offers a Pair of Contests for Students

How Are You Inspired By America?

$5000--Does that grab you interest? It is the national prize for the first place winner in the Patriot Pen essay contest from students in grades 6-8. Anyone in this grade level, whether you are homeschooled, private, parochial, or public, are eligible to assemble a 300-400 word essay based on the topic “How are you Inspired by America?

If this seems like a lot of words, find a favorite book and read a while, then go back and count the words. It will surprise you how quickly you were able to read through 300-400 words!

This is a VFW sponsored program aided by the auxiliary. In the past, the first three winners have received cash prizes.

Essays must be the work of the student, typed, and submitted by October 31, 2023. Mail to Sharon Kindle, Patriot Pen Chair, P O Box 381, Malta MT 59538.

If you have further inquiries, call me at 406-654-4283.

In the meantime, happy thinking and enjoy your writing experience!

What Are The Greatest Attributes Of Our Democracy?

The VOICE OF DEMOCRACY is geared to the High School student in grades 9-12, in public, private, or homeschooled. This contest is a bit different from the regular essay type as you send a typed form in along with a CD where you have recorded your version of “What are the Greatest Attributes of our Democracy”.

Students must have a 3 to 5 minute audio of themselves reading their essay. It is important to enunciate each word clearly, no “and a’s” or “buts” as we sometimes unconsciously slip into our conversations.

Again each CD must be the work of the student, however, you are encouraged to work together or in groups, read your essays so they can be timed before recording.

This contest is sponsored by VFW and aided by the auxiliary. The grand prize is $35,000 and at times, almost all the state winners whose work gets sent to national, gets some type of scholarship.

The deadline is October 30, 2023, with entries to be sent to Sharon Kindle, Patriotic Chair, P O Box 381, Malta MT 59538.