- Who may enter
- Eligible students in grades 6–8
- Essay length
- 300–400 words
- Entry deadline
- By midnight on
- Entry fee
- $0 — participation is free
2026–2027 Theme
"What a Veteran Taught Me About America”
About the Competition
Patriot’s Pen gives students an opportunity to reflect on America, develop their writing skills, and compete for awards. Entries begin at a local VFW Post. Selected winners advance through District, Department (state), and National competition.
The national first-place award is $5,000. National winners receive at least $500.
No Cost to Enter
VFW Post 7824 welcomes eligible students to participate at no cost. There is no entry fee.
Who Is Eligible?
Students enrolled in grades 6–8 by the October 31 deadline may enter if they meet the official eligibility requirements. This includes eligible students attending public, private, or parochial schools and students who are homeschooled. Review the official rules for residency requirements and restrictions.
Prepare Your Essay
- Write an original essay that clearly addresses this year’s theme.
- Type 300–400 words in English, without color or graphics.
- Do not include your name, address, school name, or other identifying information in the essay.
- Use quotations sparingly and identify them clearly.
- Review all official rules and complete the required entry information.
Your essay must be your own work and reflect your own thinking. Inappropriate use of ChatGPT or other artificial intelligence tools is not allowed under the official contest rules.
Judges evaluate knowledge of the theme, theme development, and clarity of ideas.
How to Enter Through VFW Post 7824
Washington entries must be submitted through Scholars App. Paper or emailed Patriot’s Pen entries will not be accepted.
- Request the Post 7824 entry link. Email youth@vfw7824.org to request the Post’s Scholars App link or QR code.
- Prepare your application. Follow the official rules and the instructions provided through the Post’s entry link.
- Submit your complete entry by midnight on October 31, 2026. Allow time to upload your essay and confirm that Scholars App accepted your submission.
Need help with the application process? Contact us before the deadline. Email is for questions and assistance; your contest entry must be submitted through Scholars App.
Questions? Contact VFW Post 7824
Students, parents, guardians, and educators may contact our Youth Activities team for contest information and help getting started.
VFW Post 7824 — Youth Activities400 N. Andresen Road
Vancouver, WA 98661
youth@vfw7824.org
Official sources: VFW National Youth Scholarships and VFW Department of Washington Youth Essays. Information reviewed September 20, 2026. Consult the official rules for complete eligibility, essay, and submission requirements.
