The Patriot’s Pen essay contest encourages students in grades 6, 7, and 8 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. Each year more than 132,000 students in grades 6-8 enter the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen youth essay contest. The national first-place winner wins $5,000 and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. The first-place winner from each state competes for national awards totaling $54,500, with each first-place state winner receiving a minimum of $500 at the national level.
Want to apply? Read the Rules and eligibility requirements, then Download and Complete the 2023-2024 Entry Form. All student entries must be submitted to us by midnight, Oct. 31. Submission may be mailed to the address below or emailed to CMD@vfw152.org
The 2023-24 theme is:
"How Are You Inspired by America?"
About the 2022-2023 winner ...
Leighton Peters, a seventh grade student from Rice Lake, Wisconsin, was named the 2022-2023 Patriot's Pen first place winner. Her essay on the theme, "My Pledge to Our Veterans" won her a $5,000 award. Leighton was sponsored by VFW Post 2204 and its Auxiliary in Rice Lake, Wisconsin.
Watch as Leighton delivered her winning essay, during the VFW's Parade of Winners streamed live on Facebook, or read her essay here. See the complete list of 2023 national winners.
Attention Teachers!
The National Association of Secondary School Principals has placed this program on the NASSP National Advisory List of Contests and Activities for 2020-21. We thank all of America's teachers and youth leaders for the time, effort and commitment they invest in our young people each year. We have a number of ways in which to assist you in helping to ensure your students get a head start on their future.
