PATRIOTS PEN

The 2024 -25 Theme is: "My Voice in America's Democracy?" 

 

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, 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. 

 

  The 2023-24  Theme: "How Are You Inspired by America?"  

 Department of Vermont 2023-24 Winners


Department of Vermont 1st Patriot’s Pen Winner Megan Smith sponsored by Ralph J. Mollica Post 793, St. Johnsbury Vermont

 See Megan's short bio here

 Read Megan's winning essay that has been sent to National for the next level of judging 

 


 

Department of Vermont 2nd Place Patriot’s Pen Winner sponsored by Carl M. Dessaint Post 1034, Brattleboro, Swanton Vermont Rezig Akot

    See Rezig's short bio here

 

Department of Vermont Patriot’s Pen 3rd Place Winner sponsored by Charles DaPrato Post 778, Swanton Vermont Liam Ho

    See Liam's short bio here