Each year, nearly 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 $1.4 million in state and national awards. Each first-place state winner receives a minimum of $500 at the national level, and the national first place winner wins $5,000!
The essay contest encourages young minds to examine America’s history and their 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.
At ASB Innovation Academy, in 8th Grade U.S. History, students are encouraged to complete the Patriot's Pen essay, not only in place of one of their learning target projects but as a genuine reflection on how they can and will make an impact on our country. In the past few years, the students have reflected on "How Can I Be a Good American" and "My Pledge to Our Veterans." Nearly 50 percent of the 8th Grade students at ASB Innovation Academy (about 38 students) participate in the Patriot's Pen contest each year.
Wherever a VFW Post is located, students are encouraged to participate in that post's Patriot's Pen essay contest. This level is called the "local" level. At the local level, students' essays face off against each other. Local community members (usually the History or English teachers) then score the essays to determine the top four finishers, each receiving an award and the top two moving on to the next round, which is regionals. Since North Dakota does not have a vast amount of VFW posts, there are only two regions (basically cut down the middle, west, and east). The essays of all students who placed in the top two from each local contest in the region are re-evaluated and scored by a new set of judges. This process occurs again at the state level, except at the state, only one winner moves on to nationals.
This year, with the theme "My Pledge to Our Veterans," Tyler B. placed first, Steven D. placed second, and Noah A. placed third. Tyler B. and Steven D. both moved on to the regional round, where they lost to the eventual state winner, who is moving on to nationals. In the past two years, there have been two local champions, four top-place finishers, and one regional champion and second-place finisher. Whether or not students win, the VFW always talks to all students about the importance of patriotism, honor, and love for one's country. This experience is of much more value than any award or scholarship.