Patriot's Pen

2024-2025 Theme

"My Voice in America's Democracy?"

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. Before submitting your essay, read the rules and eligibility requirements, and submit through us as applications must be turned in by midnight, Oct. 31st. Download and complete the 2024-2025 entry form here.

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Please note this year VFW National is using Scholar's App, a cloud-based system to aide in streamlining how the VFW manages the Patriot's Pen scholarship program. Students can simply go online and create an account to submit their application electronically.

For more information, please visit the VFW Department of Virginia Scholar's App webpage.

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Send us an email if you have questions.

About the 2023-24 national winner ...

Bryant Day, an eighth-grade student from Ashland, Ohio, was named the 2023-2024 Patriot's Pen first place winner. His essay on the theme, "How Are You Inspired by America?" won him a $5,000 award. Watch as Bryant delivered his winning essay, during the VFW's Parade of Winners streamed live on Facebook.