VFW announces patriotic student scholarship contest

Devils Tower VFW Post 4311 encourages the youth of Crook County to take part in the annual nationwide Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen program. Create an essay on the theme “What Makes America Great” to express your views on democracy and be eligible for a cash prize and an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C.

The contest is split into two age groups. For students in sixth to eighth grades, submission to Patriot’s Pen involves a written essay of 300 to 400 words on the annual theme.

The grand prize for this contest is $5000, with progressively lower cash denominations for students who place in the top 53 nationally. The overall winner will also win a trip to Washington, D.C. for themselves and a parent or guardian.

Students in grades nine through twelve may enter the Voice of Democracy contest, which involves recording onto an audio CD or flash drive an original essay based on the annual theme lasting between three and five minutes. Entries are judged on originality, content and delivery.

Prizes and scholarships for this contest can be awarded at the post, district, state and national level. State winners will receive a trip to Washington, D.C. on February 29, 2020 and will receive a portion of $154,000 in national awards, with the top scholarship set at $30,000.

The Voice of Democracy program was established in 1947 to provide high school students with an opportunity to express themselves on the themes of democracy and patriotism. Each year, around 40,000 students enter.

Entries should be submitted to Devils Tower VFW Post 4311 by the deadline of October 31. To download an entry form, visit https://www.vfw.org/community/youth-and-education/youth-scholarships.

To express your interest in either contest, contact Commander Barry Floyd at 307-267-1664 or by mail at Devils Tower VFW Post 4311, PO Box 171, Sundance, WY 82729.