VFW posts contests for young local writers and speakers

VFW Post 2112, headquartered in Sparta, Wisconsin, is offering students a chance to be recognized for their talents, as well as secure top cash prizes and trips to Washington D.C.

Every year the VFW puts on several national contests for students. One is called The Patriot’s Pen. This contest is for middle school grades 6^th , 7^th  and 8^th . The top prize for winning nationally is five thousand dollars. In addition, kids may win a trip to Washington D.C. A topic is chosen each year, with this year’s topic being “My Pledge to our Veterans.” To ensure that there is no bias, names are not seen by the judges and entrants are asked not to write about specific members of their family or friend’s family. Students may win a portion of the state’s national award of 55 thousand dollars if they win at the state level. If thirty contestants enter, there will be two winners. The deadline for the contest is October 31^st.

Another contest, designated for high schoolers (grades 9 through 12), is called the “Voice of Democracy Speech Contest,” which also has a deadline of October 31^st. The national winner of this contest wins thirty thousand dollars. The VFW has sent someone to nationals before, and although they did not win, they did enjoy an all expenses paid trip to the nation’s capital. Like the previous contest, the judges never know the names of the contestants, in order to rule out any bias.

There is also the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award contest, where any student in grades K-12 can nominate a teacher to compete. The teacher will then submit a paper on why they are a good example of promoting patriotism and civic duty. In the past, the VFW has had two teachers go to nationals, and one teacher has won the coveted prize.

There are also six-hundred-dollar scholarships available for graduating seniors, that they can apply for through the guidance office. The VFW suggests that the seniors write their paper, and then work on editing the paper, so that they will increase their chances of impressing the judges.

Students should go to the front office to inquire about the amazing opportunities these contests offer them. The VFW can answer questions you may have by emailing them at: post2112@outlook.com, or by phoning them at 608-269-2278.