Patriot's Pen

Each year more than 165,400 students in grades 6-8 enter the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen youth essay contest for a chance to win their share of more than $1.4 million in state and national awards. Each first place state winner receives a minimum of $500 at the national level, and the national first place winner wins $5,000! 

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The essay contest encourages young minds to examine America’s history, along with their own experiences in modern American society, by drafting a 300- to 400-word essay, expressing their views based on a patriotic theme chosen by the VFW Commander-in-Chief. The 2022-23 theme is: "My Pledge to Our Veterans."

 

 

Voice of Democracy

If you are a democracy-loving high school student in the Coeur d'Alene area, who is interested in a $30,000 college scholarship or a patriotic middle school student in the Coeur d'Alene area, who is interested in winning $5,000, these scholarships may be for you.

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The Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay. Each year, nearly 64,500 9-12 grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $2 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program. 

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The 2022-23 theme is: "Why is the Veteran Important?" Be sure to submit your entry in audio format. 

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