Students grades 6-8 can enter the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen annual youth essay contest. The essay contest encourages students 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. Entries are due to the Medina VFW by 10/31. Local winners are then submitted to compete on a regional and then state levels - ultimately in hopes to make it to the national level chance to win larger scholarships.

 

Download the Patriot's Pen entry form here.

 

It's time for the VFW Auxiliary’s Illustrating America Patriotic Art Contest. Students in grades K-8 can share how they view our world through their drawings and paintings while competing for national awards. The contest rewards the artistic abilities of elementary and middle/junior high school students.

The contest consists of three grade divisions: K-2, 3-5 and 6-8 with first, second and third prizes. Students must submit an original two-dimensional piece of artwork. The entry must have been completed during the current school year, and the application must include a parent or guardian signature.  

Students begin by competing at the VFW Auxiliary level. The first-place winner from each Auxiliary advances to the Department (state) competition. Department first-place winners advances to the national level for final judging. National winners will be shared on our social media page. An image of national winning entries may be displayed at the VFW Auxiliary National Convention. Student entries must be submitted at the Medina VFW by December 31, 2026

 

Check back for more details.