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 2025 - 26 Theme is: "How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?"
Department of Vermont 2024-25 Winners
Department of Vermont 1st Patriot’s Pen Winner Cannan Ly sponsored by Robert E. Glidden Post 758, St. Albans Vermont
See Cannan's short bio here
Read Cannan's winning essay that has been sent to National for the next level of judging
Watch Cannan's recording of his essay here
Department of Vermont 2nd Place Patriot’s Pen Winner Ryelee Lanphear sponsored by Alfred Pepin Post 798, Newport Vermont
See Ryelee's short bio here
Read Ryelee's essay here
Department of Vermont Patriot’s Pen 3rd Place Winner Dylan Eggsware sponsored by Bennington County Post 1332, Bennington Vermont
See Dylan's short bio here
Read Dylan's essay here
