Each year, nearly 60,600 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 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 2025 - 26 Theme is: "How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?"
Department of Vermont 2025-26 Winners
Department of Vermont 1st Patriot’s Pen Winner Cannan Ly sponsored by Robert E. Glidden Post 758, St. Albans Vermont
Canaan is 13 years old and a 8th grader at Kyrene Aprende Middle School in Chandler, AZ. He is a Peer Tutor for special needs students and volunteers as a junior helper at his church. Canaan is on the varsity basketball team for his school and the competitive basketball team for the local YMCA. He also loves to play on his school volleyball team and participated in his school's theater club this year as well. He travels every summer back to Vermont where he volunteers at a local senior citizen bingo.
Read Cannan's winning essay that has been sent to National for the next level of judging
Department of Vermont 2nd Place Patriot’s Pen Winner Preston ODonnell sponsored by Mackenzie Post 790, East Barre Vermont
Preston is a 7th grade student and is 13 years old, she enjoys soccer, skiing, and basketball. She also enjoys watching football and playing saxophone. She is an avid read and loves music. One of her favorite things is her new snow machine. When she grows up, she either wants to be a firefighter, a cosmetologist, or possible a photographer as a hobby. Her father and grandfather are every special to her and have shown her true Patriotism and are role models as firefighters. Her Granddad is a Veteran; he is the reason for her essay.
Read Preston's essay here
Department of Vermont Patriot’s Pen 3rd Place Winner Caroline Mead sponsored by Bennington County Post 1332, Bennington Vermont
Caroline is an 8th grader at St. Paul' Catholic School. She lives in Vermont with her family, three cats, and a dog. She has attended St. Paul's her entire life, which makes it feel like home, and is proud to be a St. Paul's Crusader. She plays soccer mostly during the summer, along with her summer job. She works at a daycare, which allows her to gain skills in communication, problem-solving, responsibility, and patience. She is a proud Catholic, and her faith inspires her to become a better role model for others through helping them with their struggles and treating everyone equally. Caroline loves writing because she believes every voice is important and can give strength to her fellow students. She hopes to continue to do well in school to become a nurse, which would allow her to continue to help others.
Read Caroline's essay here
