Patriot Pen Entry Form

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Patriot Pen Essay Contest - The Patriot’s Pen is an annual VFW-sponsored youth essay competition wherein students (grades 6-8) are invited to write essays expressing their views on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is ‘How Can I Be A Good American?” Students will be judged on how well they understand, develop, and present the theme, and a positive approach is encouraged when expressing your viewpoints. Demonstrate that you have researched the issue extensively and have a thorough knowledge of the theme. Relate the theme to your own experiences and provide the reader with a clear understanding of your explanation of the theme. The length of your essay must be 300 to 400 words (+- 5 words Max) and you must write your own essay.  Make sure that your essay is submitted to the VFW post before the contest deadline of October 31st, 2020. Last year, over 138,000 6-8 grade students from across the country entered to win a portion of the $55,000 in monetary awards at the National level! 

Voice of Democracy Program - The Voice of Democracy is an audio-recorded essay program providing high-school students with an opportunity to express their viewpoints on democracy and patriotism. This year’s theme is ‘America: Where Do We Go From Here?’ This essay is specifically for grades 9-12, requires the student to record and submit their original 3-5 minute (+ or – 5 seconds max) audio essay on a flash drive, a completed entry form, and a typed essay of the recording to your local VFW no later than 31 October, 2021.  Last year, nearly 57,000 9-12 grade students from across the country entered to win a portion of the more than 2 million in scholarships and incentives.

Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award (Teacher of the Year Award) – This award recognizes teachers who care about America. All current classroom teachers are eligible and nominations can be submitted by fellow teachers, supervisors, or other interested individuals.  Those interested in nominating a teacher should fill out the nomination form, and (in 350 words or less), describe why they feel the nominees should be selected. Innovative teaching, resource development methods, and his or her dedication to education are but a few attributes that rise to the level of being nominated. This year, one outstanding teacher will be recognized in each of the following cohorts: K-5, 6-8, and 9-12. It is important to note that last year, your Pleasant Hill VFW Post did not receive any nominations within this category. That said, Your VFW Post wants to ensure that educators do NOT go unrecognized this year. From personal observation, discussions among other veterans and/or community members, there exist multiple deserving teachers at every level in our community. Please carve out some time to recognize these educators this year! Nominations must be received at the local VFW no later than 31 October, 2021.