Patriots Pen Essay Contest
WHAT IS THE PATRIOTS PEN PROGRAM? - Conducted nationwide, this VFW sponsored youth
essay competition gives students an opportunity to
write essays expressing their views on democracy This year’s theme is: "Are You Proud Of Your Country?"
Download your entry form here...
WHY SHOULD I ENTER? -
The top 45 national winners all receive at least
a $1,000 savings bond. The first-place award is
currently a $10,000 savings bond plus an all-expense
paid trip to Washington, D.C. for the winner and a
parent or guardian.
THE RULES
Who can enter? -
Patriot’s Pen is open to 6th-, 7th- and 8th-grade students
enrolled in public, private or parochial schools in the U.S.,
its territories or its possessions. Home-schooled students
also are eligible.
Dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in
overseas schools can participate too. (Foreign exchange
students and former winners that placed in the National
finals are excluded from the contest.)
What do I need to enter? -
All essays should be typewritten in English with no
color or graphics and cannot be less than 300 words
or greater than 400 words in length. (Essays under or
over these word amounts will be eliminated.) Every
word is counted regardless of length. The essay title
(theme) or added footnotes do not contribute to
the word count.
In no way may contestants identify themselves
in their essay. Do not put your name on your essay.
The entry form is your essay’s cover sheet. Secure the
Official Student Entry Form with a staple or other
fastener on top of your essay. Essays must be written
exclusively for this competition. Use of the same essay
for other competitions will result in disqualification.
Contestants are allowed to enter only once (one Post
competition). Contestants found in violation of this
rule will face elimination from the competition and
will be required to return any and all prize money
awarded or received.
The essay must be a contestant’s original work
and a product of the contestant’s own thinking. The
approach to the Patriot’s Pen theme should be
positive and clearly focused. Poetry is not acceptable.
Quotations may be used sparingly if plainly identified
wherever used. A contestant’s teacher, counselor or
parent may check the essay for punctuation, grammar
and/or spelling, but the content must remain the
contestant’s. Contestants will be judged on the basis
of their essay alone and are not required to present
the essay orally. All essays become the property of
the Veterans of Foreign Wars. The VFW retains
non-exclusive rights to use your essay and likeness
in the promotion and execution of the
organization’s programs and activities.
Where do I submit my entry? -
To advance to the next level, all entries must be judged at the
VFW Post level. VFW Post
winners compete at the VFW District level.
Download your entry form here...
What is the deadline for my entry? -
All entries competing at the Post level must be in the hands of
that VFW Post by midnight, Nov. 1, 2011. It is the responsibility
of the student to meet this deadline by submitting their entry to
the proper location. If you have difficulty identifying
a sponsoring Post in your area, call the Patriot’s
Pen national office at:
(816) 756-3390, ext. 220 or e-mail: swilson@vfw.org.
HOW AM I JUDGED? -
You will be judged on how well you understand,
develop and present the theme. A positive approach
is recommended to express your viewpoint.
Knowledge of the theme is worth 30 points:
You must show a thorough knowledge of the them
in your work. Demonstrate you have researched the
issue extensively.
Theme development is worth 35 points:
Answer all relevant facts about the theme such as the
who, what, where, when and why. Relate the theme to
your own experiences.
Clarity of ideas is worth 35 points:
Write your essay in an easy-to-understand format.
Leave your reader with a clear understanding of your
explanation of the theme.
GOOD LUCK - Broomfield VFW Post 9565 and Auxiliary Officers and Members
Know of a veteran or family of an active duty service member who is in need? Contact us via email at: info@vfw9565.org, or call us at (303) 460-9557.
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