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, then download and Complete the 2022 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 2022-23 theme is:
"My Pledge to Our Veterans."
About the 2021-2022 winner ...
About the 2021-2022 winner ...
Syed Ali, an eighth grade student from Lafayette, Louisiana, was named the 2021-2022 Patriot's Pen first place winner. His essay on the theme, "How Can I Be a Good American?" won him a $5,000 award. Syed was sponsored by New Iberia, Louisiana, VFW Post 1982.
Watch as Syed delivered his winning essay, during the VFW's virtual Parade of Winners streamed live on Facebook, or see the complete list of 2022 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.
