Melody Judd
2022 – 2023 National Scholarship Ambassador

VFWA Headshots 2022

Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen

 

Here it is October and the October 31st deadline for Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen is approaching fast, just like winter. Where I live in Eastern Arizona, our mountain peaks received their first dusting of snow this week.

 

The theme for Voice of Democracy is “Why is the Veteran Important?” and the theme for Patriot’s Pen is “My Pledge to Our Veterans.”  In the United States where less than 1% of our nation’s citizens serve in the military, our youth must understand what a veteran is and the freedoms they have because of our veterans; that is what makes both themes important and relevant.

 

  • The Voice of Democracy Audio Essay Contest is open to all students in grades 9 – 12 who are enrolled in a public-private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application for which has not been denied) and intend to become U.S. citizens at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. Foreign exchange students, students age 20 or over, previous Voice of Democracy first-place state winners, and GED or adult education students are ineligible.
    • The National first-place winner will receive a $35,000 scholarship.

 

  • The Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest is open to students in grades 6-8 who are enrolled in public, private or parochial school or home study programs in the United States, its territories and possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application for which has not been denied) and intend to become U.S. citizens at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. (Foreign exchange students and former winners that placed in the National contest are excluded from the contest.)
    • The National first-place winner will receive a $5,000 scholarship.

 

For more information about Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen, click here to visit the VFW website.

 

Remember!

The VFW Auxiliary works in partnership with our VFW Comrades to promote these two VFW – sponsored contests.

Get The Word Out – Where? Every Where!

Recognition is Key – It is important that scholarship and contest winners are recognized at every level.

Make sure applications are fully completed and legible before advancing them to the next competition level. We don’t want a scholarship applicant to be disqualified because the application wasn’t completed.