Patriot’s Pen
The Patriot’s Pen® essay contest encourages students in grades 6–8 to examine America’s history, their own experiences in today’s society, and express their views on a patriotic theme chosen by the VFW Commander-in-Chief. Each year, more than 60,000 middle school students enter nationwide.
The national first-place winner receives a $5,000 award and national recognition. The first-place winner from each state (Department) competes for national awards totaling nearly $55,000, with every state winner guaranteed at least $500.
2025–2026 Theme
"How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?”
How to Apply
-
Online Submission (Preferred): Submit your Patriot’s Pen application online.
-
Mail-in Option: Download the official form from the National VFW site: Mail-in Patriot’s Pen application. Completed entries may be mailed to our Post PO Box or emailed to CMD@vfw152.org.
🗓 Deadline: October 31, 2025 (midnight)
2024–2025 Winner
Evelyn Newbigging, an eighth-grade student from Lancaster, South Carolina, was named the 2024–2025 Patriot’s Pen first-place winner. Her essay, "My Voice in America’s Democracy”, won her the $5,000 national prize. Evelyn was sponsored by VFW Post 12136 and its Auxiliary in Indian Land, South Carolina.
You can watch Evelyn deliver her winning essay here and view the complete list of national winners on the VFW site.
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.
