Karen Hoover
2017-2018 National Scholarships Ambassador
Deadlines! Deadlines! Deadlines!
The Post level stage of deadlines for the Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen contests are fast approaching. At midnight on October 31, all entries must be in the hands of the local VFW Post. To be fair to everyone, there is no exception or extension to this date. Please adhere to the rules of competition and make sure the entry forms are complete.
The following dates are the required judging deadlines for both competitions:
- Completion of Post Judging: November 15, 2017
- Completion of District Judging: December 15, 2017
- Completion of Department Judging: January 10, 2018
- Department Winner to VFW National Headquarters: January 15, 2018
The VFW Auxiliary continues to be a key to the success of these programs and in your communities. Publicize these opportunities and encourage students to express their patriotism and creativity.
Voice of Democracy entry forms can be found on the VFW website. Entries are judged on the following criteria:
- Originality – Treatment of the theme should show imagination and human interest.
- Content – Clearly expresses ideas in an organized manner. Fully developed theme and uses transitions to move smoothly from one idea to another.
- Delivery – Speaks in a clear and credible manner.
Patriot’s Pen entry forms can be found on the VFW website. Entries are judged on the following criteria:
- Knowledge – Must show a thorough knowledge of the theme in the work. Demonstrates student researched the issue extensively.
- Theme Development – Answer all relevant facts about the theme such as the who, what, where, when and why. Relates the theme to their own experiences.
- Clarity of Ideas – Essay is written in an easy-to-understand format. Leaves the reader with a clear understanding of their explanation of the theme.
Spring Scholarship Deadlines
Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest
- Student entry deadline to local VFW Auxiliary is March 31, 2018.
Continuing Education Scholarship
- All applications must be submitted to VFW Auxiliary National Headquarters by February 15, 2018.
Visit the VFW Auxiliary website for more information and applications for all our scholarship contests.
Please continue to promote all the opportunities in the VFW Auxiliary Scholarships program. A Family Freedom Festival is the perfect time and place to share everything that your Post and Auxiliary does for veterans, their families and your communities; our scholarships are one of the things we offer! I have received copies of the fantastic promotions that are being done at the Auxiliary and Department levels for the Scholarships Program. Thanks for sharing your ideas and continue to do great things for our veterans and families.
