2023 Patriot's Pen Essay
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! Students in the Fox Valley area, in addition to school district 303, participate in this program. This contest is open to any student in grades 6-8 if you are enrolled in a full time school or home schooled. If you are interested in entering and would like to receive further information, contact Rich at [email protected] or send a text to (847)910-9819.
The essay contest encourages young minds to examine America’s history, along with their own experiences in modern American society, by drafting a 300 - 400 word essay, expressing their views based on this year’s theme. Before submitting your essay, read the rules and eligibility requirements, download and complete the 2022-2023 entry form and contact the St Charles VFW Post. Applications must be turned in at our VFW Post located at 311 N. Second St., Suite 109, St. Charles, IL by Friday, Oct. 21, 2022; which is a week earlier than the National deadline. Judging at the post will begin shortly after the Oct. 21st.
Voice of Democracy
Established in 1947, our Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay. Each year, nearly 25,000 9-12 grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $2 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program.
The national first place winner receives a $30,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school. A complete list of other national scholarships range from $1,000-$16,000, and the first place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins at least a scholarship of $1,000. Before submitting your essay, read the rules and eligibility requirements, and find your sponsoring local VFW Post as applications must be turned in by midnight, Oct. 21st. Download and complete the 2022-2023 Voice of Democracy entry form here.
The 2022-23 theme is:
"Why is the Veteran Important?"
If you are interested in entering this contest please contact Richard Zawislak at [email protected] or text Rich at (847)910-9819.
The national first place winner receives a $30,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school. A complete list of other national scholarships range from $1,000-$16,000, and the first place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins at least a scholarship of $1,000. Before submitting your essay, read the rules and eligibility requirements, and find your sponsoring local VFW Post as applications must be turned in by midnight, Oct. 21st. Download and complete the 2022-2023 Voice of Democracy entry form here.
The 2022-23 theme is:
"Why is the Veteran Important?"
If you are interested in entering this contest please contact Richard Zawislak at [email protected] or text Rich at (847)910-9819.
Teacher of the Year
Without our nation’s veterans, America wouldn't be the great nation it is today. Our youth deserve to learn about our rich history, traditions and the role of our veterans in creating and shaping America. Each year, the Veterans of Foreign Wars selects elementary, middle, and high school teachers to participate in the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher program.
Here are the requirements:
1. Teachers who promote civic responsibility, flag etiquette and patriotism are prime
candidates for this award. For example, do you know a teacher who plans field trips to city hall or organizes community volunteer projects? Maybe you know an instructor who invites veterans into the classroom to discuss their military experiences. Perhaps you are familiar with a teacher who fosters the development of democratic values and beliefs through special projects. If you know of such a teacher, honor him or her today.
2. All current certified/licensed teachers in grades K-12 are eligible. Nominations can be submitted by themselves, fellow teachers, supervisors, family members or other interested individuals.
The entry must be submitted by October 31, 2022 and forwarded to the local district by November 15, 2022. If you decide to pursue this, I’ll provide you with assistance in completing your application. Here are the appropriate links review the new rules and eligibility requirements and download the 2022 entry form.
If you are interest in this program, contact Rich Zawislak at [email protected] or text Rich at (847)910-9819 before October.
Here are the requirements:
1. Teachers who promote civic responsibility, flag etiquette and patriotism are prime
candidates for this award. For example, do you know a teacher who plans field trips to city hall or organizes community volunteer projects? Maybe you know an instructor who invites veterans into the classroom to discuss their military experiences. Perhaps you are familiar with a teacher who fosters the development of democratic values and beliefs through special projects. If you know of such a teacher, honor him or her today.
2. All current certified/licensed teachers in grades K-12 are eligible. Nominations can be submitted by themselves, fellow teachers, supervisors, family members or other interested individuals.
The entry must be submitted by October 31, 2022 and forwarded to the local district by November 15, 2022. If you decide to pursue this, I’ll provide you with assistance in completing your application. Here are the appropriate links review the new rules and eligibility requirements and download the 2022 entry form.
If you are interest in this program, contact Rich Zawislak at [email protected] or text Rich at (847)910-9819 before October.