Voice of Democracy
An audio-essay competition for students in grades 9 through 12. Students write an essay on a patriotic theme set each year, then record it as a short spoken piece and submit the recording with the written copy.
Entries are judged at the post first. Post winners advance to district competition, then state, then national — with scholarship awards at each level.
Patriot's Pen
A written essay competition for students in grades 6 through 8, also on a theme set each year. Same path: judged here first, then district, state, and national, with awards along the way.
How to enter
Entries go through a local VFW post, and this is that post. Students do not need any connection to the VFW, and neither do their families — the competitions are open to students in the community.
The themes change each year and entries are usually due in the fall, so call the post for this year's theme, the exact deadline, and the entry form. Do not wait until the last week; the paperwork has to be right.
For teachers and youth leaders
Teachers regularly enter whole classes, and the post is glad to help. If you would like entry forms, theme sheets, or someone to come and explain the competition to students, call and ask.