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
