2024-2025 Patriot's Pen Essay Contest.
Apply through the ScholarsApp.
The VFW is dedicated to promoting patriotism and investing
in our future generation. If you are a patriotic middle school student
interested in winning $5,000, this scholarship may be for you.
VFW believes strongly in good citizenship and fostering patriotism.
Each year, nearly
68,800 students in grades 6-8 enter the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen youth essay
contest for a chance to win their share of more than $1.4 million in state and
national awards. Each first place 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.
Download the student guide HERE.
Download all the ScholarsApp information HERE.
All student entries
must be submitted via the ScholarsApp by midnight, Oct. 31.
About the 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
on the theme, "My Voice in America's Democracy?" won the national
first place $5,000 award. Newbigging was sponsored by VFW Post 12136 located in
Indian Land, South Carolina.
Watch as Newbigging delivered her winning essayduring the 2025 VFW's Parade of Winners that was streamed live, or read her essay here.
This year's Theme for 2025-2026 is: "How Are You Showing Patriotism And Support For Our Country?"
HOW TO ENTER:
Loudoun County Virginia students should first ask a teacher, parent, or youth group leader to supervise their progress in the competition. Next, it's time to start drafting your essay on the Patriot's Pen theme.
(For Students residing outside of Loudoun County Virginia, please click HERE to find a VFW
Post near you!)
Essays must be no less than 300 words and should not exceed 400 words and must be submitted via the ScholarsApp.
JUDGING:
Loudoun County VFW Post 1177 will select a winner from Loudoun County to compete in this prestigious competition at the District level (NOVA) and winners will go on to compete at the State and National level.
For more information or any questions you may have, please contact the PP Team at contact1177@vfw1177.orgThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ATTN: PP
All submissions must be received via the ScholarsApp before 31 October
