VFW Patriotic Essay Competition Deadlines Approaching
Student and teacher entries must be submitted through a VFW Post

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (October 2, 2019) - The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. is still accepting applications for its popular Voice of Democracy and Patriot's Pe youth scholarship competitions, as well as its Teacher of the Year award.

Inspiring patriotism within our nation's youth has long been a top priority for  he VFW, but with the Oct. 31 deadline fast approaching, time is running out to participate in this year's annual Voice of Democracy and Patriot's Pen<https://www.vfw.org/youthscholarships> student scholarship award competitions, and the Teacher of the Year award<https://www.vfw.org/teacheroftheyear>.

As one of the top student patriotic essay competitions in the nation, each year nearly 40,000 high school students compete in the VFW's Voice of Democracy audio  ssay competition for their chance to win their share of more than $1.9 million in educational scholarships, including the top national first-place $30,000 college scholarship.

With the chance to win a slice of more than $900,000 in Patriot's Pen awards, more than 111,000 sixth through eighth grade students draft patriotic essays while vying for the $5,000 first-place prize and an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C.

This year, both the Voice of Democracy and Patriot's Pen competitions challenge America's youth to answer "What Makes America Great?"

The VFW understands that bolstering patriotism and encouraging civic responsibility often begins at the head of the class, which is why every year the VFW recognizes the nation's top elementary, junior high and high school teachers who go above and beyond to inspire and nurture nationalism and civic engagement in their students.

Don't miss your opportunity to nominate a teacher who positively influences our nation's youth.

-vfw-

About the VFW: The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. is the nation's largest and oldest major war veterans organization. Founded in 1899, the congressionally-chartered VFW is comprised entirely of eligible veterans and military service members from the active, Guard and Reserve forces. With more than 1.6 million VFW and Auxiliary members located in 6,200 Posts worldwide, the nonprofit veterans service organization is proud to proclaim "NO ONE DOES MORE FOR
VETERANS" than the VFW, which is dedicated to veterans' service, legislative advocacy, and military and community service programs. For more information or to join, visit our website at vfw.org<http://www.vfw.org>.

Media Contact: Randi K. Law, communications manager, rlaw@vfw.org<mailto:rlaw@vfw.org>.