The 2023-24 Theme: "How Are You Inspired by America?"
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 2022-23 Theme: My Pledge To Our Veterans
Department of Vermont 2022-23 Winners
Charlotte Hourdequin, from Hanover, NH, represented the VFW Department of Vermont and was awarded the $500 Glenn D. Raney Memorial Award (LA) Award.
Department of Vermont 1st Patriot’s Pen Winner Charlotte Hourdequin sponsored by White River Post 2571, White River Junction Vermont
See Charlotte's short bio here
Read Charlotte's winning entry that has been sent to National for the next level of judging
Department of Vermont 2nd Place Patriot’s Pen Winner sponsored by Charles DaPrato Post 778, Swanton Vermont Liam Ho
See Liam's short bio here
Department of Vermont Patriot’s Pen 3rd Place Winner sponsored by Ralph Mollica Post 793, St. Johnsbury Vermont Silas Perron Butts
See Silas' short bio here
