VFW Kicks-Off Annual Scholarship Programs

Springfield, IL September 4, 2018) The Veterans of Foreign Wars awards more than 2.1 million dollars annually in educational scholarships to students grades 9 – 12. More than 40,000 students nationwide enter the program by writing and recording a 3 to 5 minute speech on an audio CD or flash drive. This year’s theme is “Why My Vote Counts”

Entries are judged at the Post, District, Department (State) level and the 54 state first place winners receive an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. for four days where they compete for the national $30,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s college, university, vocational or trade school. A complete list of the 53 other national scholarships awarded range from $16,000.00 to a minimum of $1,000.00 can be found at VFW.org

Entry forms as well as rules and qualifications can be obtained from your local Veterans of Foreign Wars post or on-line at VFW.org The student entry deadline is October 31, 2018.

The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) started the Voice of Democracy Scholarship program in 1947. The VFW became national sponsor in the late 1950’s and assumed sole responsibility for the program in 1961. The competition was created to provide students grade 9-12 the opportunity to express themselves about democratic ideas and principles.

Interested students and teachers should contact the Voice of Democracy Chairman at your local VFW Post.

Patriot’s Pen Essay Competition

Each year, more than 132,000 middle school students in grades 6-8 enter the Patriot’s Pen essay contest. The national first place winner receives a $5,000.00 award. The first place winner from each state competes for $55,000 with each first place state winner receiving a minimum of $500.00.

The Patriot’s Pen essay competition is open to all students in grades 6-8, and the 2018-19 competition asks students to examine the statement, “Why I Honor the American Flag.” The first-place winner will receive a $5,000 award. More than 132,000 students compete annually in the Patriot’s Pen competition by writing a 300 – 400 word essay.

Student entries may be submitted (along with a completed entry form) to their local participating VFW Post. The deadline for entries for both programs in October 31, 2018.

You can read the rules and eligibility requirements and download the brochure and application at www.vfw.org

For Additional Information:

Carl L Sorensen

Ron Hill Memorial VFW Post 2245

Grayslake, IL 60030

Public Relations Director

info@VFW2245.org

847-721-0281