VFW Student and Teacher Competitions Promote Patriotism

Upton, MA – The deadline is rapidly approaching for students and teachers to participate in Voice of Democracy, Patriot’s Pen and Smart/Maher Teacher Award competitions. The three competitions all aim to create a better understanding of America’s history and patriotism.

“These programs are special as they promote history and patriotism,” said Shawn Craig, Post Commander, “but they also encourage a better understanding of democratic values and an examination of our own experiences in American society, as well as help stimulate thoughtful discourse about our country.”

Open to eligible sixth through eighth grade students, more than 165,000 students compete in the Patriot’s Pen essay competition each year to win their share of more than $1.4 million in state and national awards. The top individual VFW Department (state) winners are vying for the first-place prize of $5,000. The student must write a 300-400-word essay on this year’s theme which asks “What is Patriotism to Me?”

Open to eligible high school students, the Voice of Democracy program is one of the top patriotic audio essay competitions in the nation, with more than $2.1 million in educational scholarships and incentives up for grabs. The national first place winner receives a $30,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school. A complete list of other national scholarships range from $1,000-$16,000, and the first place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins a minimum scholarship of $1,000.

Nearly 65,000 students participate in the Voice of Democracy competition each year. Students must write and record a three-to-five-minute essay on the selected theme using an audio CD or flash drive and present their recording, typed essay and completed entry to their local VFW Post. This year’s theme challenges students to answer the question, “Is This the Country the Founders Envisioned?”

Each year, the VFW also recognizes exceptional teachers who instill a sense of national pride in students by teaching citizenship education topics regularly and promoting America’s history and traditions effectively. The three winning teachers from each (state) Department receive a national citation for themselves, and one for their school.

Current certified/licensed teachers of grades K-5, 6-8 and 9-12 can be nominated by fellow teachers, students, family members, other interested individuals or nominate themselves. Teachers who promote civic responsibility, flag etiquette and patriotism, and strive to help students develop a better understanding of democratic values and beliefs are prime candidates for the award.

The deadline for all essays and teacher nominations is October 31st. For more information about the contests or to participate, contact us at post5594@vfwma.org or visit our website at www.uptonvfw.org for the entry forms.