Patriot’s Pen

The theme for 2024-2025 is: “My Voice in America's Democracy?”

The Patriot’s Pen program is open to students in grades 6-8 (on the October 31 deadline), who are enrolled in a public, private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States and its territories.

HOW TO ENTER:
The deadline for submissions for the 2024-2025 program is October 31, 2024.

The theme for 2024-2025 is: “My Voice in America's Democracy?”
Students can ask a teacher or youth group leader to supervise their progress in the competition. Then students can contact a local participating VFW Post and
established a contact person who is a member of that Post or its Ladies Auxiliary.
Next, it is time to start drafting considering the 2022-2023 theme, "My Pledge to Our Veterans.” Essays must be no less than 300 words and cannot exceed 400
words and should be submitted to the Post, along with the completed Patriot’s Pen entry form no later than the October 31st deadline (to local post).

JUDGING CRITERIA:
Knowledge of the theme is worth 30 points: You must show a thorough knowledge of the theme 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.

You can get the application for here.