2023-2024 Theme
"How Are You Inspired by America"
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 2022-23 national winner ...
Leighton Peters, a seventh-grade student from Rice Lake, Wisconsin, was named the 2022-2023 Patriot's Pen first place winner. Her essay on the theme, "My Pledge to Our Veterans" won her a $5,000 award.
Watch as Leighton delivered her winning essay, during the VFW's Parade of Winners streamed live on Facebook or
read her essay here.