The Veterans of Foreign Wars awards thousands of dollars annually in their patriotic programs. There is a category for children from kindergarten age through high school senior. Top national prize for a high school student is $30,000.
In Red River and Bienville parishes the program is presented to local schools by VFW Post 7287 and Auxiliary 7287. Over a thousand dollars is award each year to local students for their winning entries.
The Voice of Democracy is an audio-essay contest for high school students. They write and record an essay of three to five minutes in length. The topic for 2017 is “American History: Our Hope for the Future.” Entry blanks and information were presented to Red River High School. Accepting were Samantha Sullivan and Debbie Guidry. Program information was also presented to Riverdale Academy and Ringgold High School. Principal Eric Carter accepted for Ringgold High.
Certificates will be presented to the top three entries from each school and the top entry from each will win $50. At the conclusion of the competition the top three winners submitted to the Post will be awarded medals and in addition, the top finisher gets a $200 scholarship. The post winner’s entry will be forwarded up to VFW District for further judging. Top entry from the state of Louisiana will win a trip to Washington, DC to compete for the national $30,000 scholarship.
The Patriot’s Pen is an essay contest for Junior High students. Their essay theme for 2017 is “America’s Gift to My Generation” and the essay should be 300-400 words in length. Materials were distributed this past week to Riverdale, Academy, Red River Junior High School and Ringgold Junior High. Principal Eric Carter also accepted for Ringgold Junior High.
Winners from each school in the Patriot’s Pen contest will be recognized with certificates. The top winner from each school will get a $25 scholarship. The top three entries received by the Post will be awarded special medals. The first place winner gets a limited edition Patriot’s Pen backpack and their entry will be forwarded to VFW District for further judging. Top prize for the national winner is $5,000 and an all expense paid trip to Washington, DC.
Entries are due back at the post by the end of October. They will be judged and the winners will be recognized later in the year.
The Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen competition is open to all students in Red River and Bienville parishes. Home schooled students and other students not attending the schools mentioned may enter the competition also. Send an email to VFW7287@att.net and request entry materials.