Patriot's Pen
Each year, more than 800,600 students in sixth through eighth grades enter the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen® annual youth essay contest for a chance to win their share of more than $1 million in local and national awards. Each first place VFW Department (state) winner receives a minimum of $500 at the national level, and the national first place winner wins $5,000!
The essay contest encourages young minds to examine America’s history, along with their own experiences in modern American society, by drafting a 300- to 400-word essay, expressing their views based on a patriotic theme chosen by the VFW Commander-in-Chief.
The 2026-27 theme: "What a Veteran Taught Me About America.”
How to Apply
Student Entry Deadline: Oct. 31, 2026
North Kingstown VFW Post 152 Scholarship Award:
We offer an additional scholarship at the Post level for our local winners. More to come.
While the online application method is preferred, a paper application option is available:
Students interested in participating must submit their essay prepared on this year's theme, with a completed 2026-2027 entry form, to North Kingstown VFW Post 152.
Applications must be turned in by midnight, Oct. 31st
Please contact the VFW 152 Scholarship Chairs for more information:
About the 2025-2026 winner ...
Andrew Ge, an eighth grade student from San Ramon, California, was named the 2025-2026 Patriot's Pen first place winner. His essay on the theme, "How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?" won the national first place $5,000 award. Ge was sponsored by San Ramon Valley VFW Post 75 located in Danville, California.
Watch as Ge delivered his winning essay during the 2026 VFW Parade of Winners ceremony that was streamed live from the Union League of Philadelphia, or read his essay here. See the complete list of 2026 national winners.
Attention Teachers!
The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) has placed Patriot’s Pen on its National Advisory List of Contests and Activities. We thank all of America’s teachers and youth leaders for the time, energy, and dedication they invest in helping students succeed.
