​Each year, nearly 68,800 students in sixth through eighth grades enter the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen youth essay contest for a chance to win their share of nearly $1 million in state and national awards. Each first-place state winner receives a minimum of $500, and the national first place winner wins $5,000!  

VFW Post 6441 awards 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes of $200, $150, and $100 respectively, with the 1st place winner advancing to the next level of competition. 

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.  

The 2024-25 theme is:  
"My Voice in America's Democracy?" 

Before submitting your essay, download the 2024-2025 entry form here, then submit your package to vfw6441kjr@outlook.com.  Packages must be turned in by midnight, Oct. 31. Full rules and a video of last year’s national winner are here.