2022-2023 Theme
"My Pledge to Our Veterans"
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!
About the 2021-22 national 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.
Watch as Syed delivers his winning essay, during the VFW's virtual Parade of Winners streamed live on Facebook.