The Veterans of Foreign Wars and its Ladies Auxiliary have a long-standing National commitment to foster patriotism, promote Americanism, and support educational activities in communities just like yours. The essay contest described in this booklet is an opportunity for you to share your thoughts and ideas covering the theme listed below. The contest gives you a chance to possibly win U.S. Savings Bonds and more. Please, take the time to review our contest information and enter the contest. GOOD LUCK!
2003-2004 CONTEST THEME: "My
Pledge to America"
WHAT KIND OF PROGRAM IS IT?
This is a national essay contest designed to give young students the opportunity to use their writing skills. abilities, and voice their opinion on the announced program theme. The Veterans of Foreign Wars and its Ladies Auxiliary hope that your school will provide you with the opportunity to write and express your ideas, opinions and thoughts while also having the opportunity to compete for valuable awards.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
Contestants must be a student enrolled in the 7th or 8th grade of a public, private, parochial school or a home study program in the United States, its territories or possessions, or enrolled in an overseas school as a dependent of a U.S. military or U.S. civilian person(s), to be eligible to enter this contest. (Foreign exchange students are not eligible to enter this contest.)
Students in 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grades may participate in the
Voice of Democracy Audio Contest... click here for information!
WHAT CAN YOU WIN?
The National first place winner will receive a $10,000.00 United States Savings Bond and a trip to the VFW National Convention. Additional U.S. savings bonds and/or other prizes will be awarded (as determined and announced by the local VFW ) at each level of the competition.
WHAT IS THE DEADLINE FOR MY ENTRY?
The essay contest kicks off October 1 and ends November 30. ALL contest entries must be submitted directly to the local participating Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post in your immediate local area by DECEMBER 1. 2002. It is your responsibility as a contestant to meet this deadline.
HOW DO I ENTER?
If you do not already have an entry form, ask an interested teacher to contact the local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post and ask to be put in contact with their Youth Activities Chairman, Post Commander or Auxiliary President. They will be happy to provide full details on how to enter the contest. You enter the contest by:
Essays must be your own original work and a product of your own thinking. The approach should be positive and focus on the theme. Quotations may be used sparingly if plainly identified wherever used. All entries should be in a typewritten format. They must be no less than 300 words and no more than 400 words. Every word is counted, regardless of length (A or I count the same as Patriotism). Numbers are counted as ONE word only.
PLEASE NOTE: You must take care not to identify or mention any of the following in your essay. If you do, your entry will be disqualified from the contest.
HOW ARE THE ESSAYS JUDGED?
Only an essays text is judged - contestants will not be required to read or orally present their essay. Judges will use the rules found on your entry form and the following point value and criteria to determine winners:
Judges are selected to be impartial and will not know who wrote the essays they evaluate at each contest level.
HOW IS THE CONTEST CONDUCTED?
Local VFW Posts and/or Ladies Auxiliaries will have persons designated to coordinate their contest (usually their Youth Activity Chairman). Once a winner is selected from each participating school, the one winning student from each school will then advance to the VFW District Contest. One winner from each District will advance to the VFW Department competition. Fifty-four (54) winners (one from each Department) will advance to the National competition.
WHO SPONSORS THE PROGRAM?
The many Posts that make up the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States and its Ladies Auxiliary are the sole sponsors of this nationwide contest.
Teachers, PTA/PTO members, counselors, church groups... Please support this program and get your local students involved!
Email: VFW 8661 |
You may see full details and a scholarship listing at the National VFW web site.
See Essay Program Information for additional information and
entry form VFW Headquarters.
