Program Description
Each year approximately 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 $1,400,000 in cash awards at the Post, District, State and National levels. Each first-place State winner receives a minimum of $500 at the National level, and the National first-place winner wins a $5,000 scholarship.
This 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.
VFW Post 12002 is once again proud to support this program and provide the following cash prizes at the Post level :
1st Place Winner - $200.00 2nd Place Winner - $150.00 3rd Place Winner - $100.00
For each 15 entries received by the Post, one winner is also entered into the District 3 competition for additional cash awards and a chance to compete at the State level.
[ The annual costs of our Patriot's Pen program are underwritten by
contributions from individuals and businesses in North Fulton County ]
How to Apply
1. Download and complete the 2025-2026 Rules and Entry Form
2. Create your Essay using Microsoft Word or Note Pad
( do not put your name or school on your essay )
3. If you have any questions, contact one of Post 12002's Patriot's Pen Program Co-Chairs :
DeWitt Wycoff ddwracer@gmail.com 678-314-9418
Jim Davis davis1824@comcast.net 770-235-4858
4. Submit your completed Entry Form and Essay Text File by eMail to a Program Chair by midnight on October 31
2nd Place Hayden Parkinson Queen of Angels Catholic School (Roswell)
3rd Place Madison McKinley Queen of Angels Catholic School (Roswell)
National Winner for 2024-2025
Evelyn Newbigging, Lancaster, South Carolina, was named the 2024-2025 Patriot's Pen first place winner. Her essay on the theme, "My Voice in America's Democracy?" won the national first place $5,000 award. Newbigging was sponsored by VFW Post 12136 located in Indian Land, South Carolina.
