~ Press release provided by VFW Post and Auxiliary of Comer-Jones Post 621
LURAY — VFW Post & Auxiliary Comer-Jones Post 621 are excited to announce the kick-off of the VFW Auxiliary’s annual scholarships and contests for kindergarten through high school students who may compete for thousands of dollars in scholarships and prize earnings.
High School:
Voice of Democracy — This audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in a patriotic-themed recorded essay. Each year, nearly 25,000 students in grades 9-12 grade enter. The national first place winner receives a $35,000 scholarship paid directly to their American university, college or vocational/technical school. Other national scholarships range from $1,000 to $21,000, and the first-place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins at least a scholarship of $1,000. Applications must be turned in to Comer-Jones Post 621 by midnight, Oct. 31, 2023. This year’s theme is “What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?” Before submitting, read the rules and eligibility requirements on www.vfw.org.
Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest — Students submit an original two-dimensional piece of artwork. Entry must have been completed during the current school year. Student entries must be submitted to VFW Auxiliary Comer-Jones Post 621 by March 31, 2024. Students begin by competing at the local VFW Auxiliary level. The first-place winner from each Auxiliary advances to the Department (state) competition. Department first-place winners compete for their share of $34,500 in national awards, and the national first-place winner is awarded a $15,000 scholarship. To download an entry form, visit www.vfwauxiliary.org/scholarships.
3-Dimensional Dimensional Patriotic Art Contest — Students submit an original three-dimensional piece of artwork. Entry must have been completed during the current school year. Students begin by competing at the local VFW Auxiliary level. Student entries must be submitted to VFW Auxiliary Comer-Jones Post 621 by March 31, 2024. The first-place winner from each Auxiliary advances to the Department (state) competition. Department first-place winners compete for their share of $5,500 in national awards, and the national first-place winner is awarded a $2,500 scholarship. To download an entry form, visit https://vfwauxiliary.org/scholarships.
Grade School:
Patriot’s Pen — Students in grades 6-8 may 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. 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 300-400-word essay based on a patriotic theme. Entrants are due to Comer-Jones Post 621 by midnight, Oct. 31, 2023. This year’s theme is “How Are You Inspired by America?” Before submitting your essay, read the rules and eligibility requirements on www.vfw.org.
Illustrating America — Students in grades K-8 can participate in this patriotic art contest that encourages students’ artistic abilities as they express how they see America through drawings and paintings. The contest consists of three grade divisions: K-2, 3-5 and 6-8. Winners in each division receive VISA gift cards ranging in value from $25 to $100. Entrants are due to Comer-Jones Post 621 by March 31, 2024. Find more information at www.vfwauxiliary.org/what-we-do/youth-activities.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. is the nation’s largest and oldest major war veterans organization. Founded in 1899, the congressionally chartered VFW is comprised entirely of eligible veterans and military service members from the active, Guard and Reserve forces. With more than 1.5 million VFW and Auxiliary members located in nearly 6,000 Posts worldwide, the nonprofit veterans service organization is proud to proclaim “NO ONE DOES MORE FOR VETERANS” than the VFW, which is dedicated to veterans’ service,
legislative advocacy, and military and community service programs. Learn more at www.vfw.org.
The VFW Auxiliary is one of the nation’s oldest veterans’ service organizations. Our members are the relatives of those who served in a location of foreign conflict. We have nearly 470,000 members representing all 50 states, Panama, Guam and the Philippines who volunteer millions of hours and give millions of dollars to support veterans, military service personnel, their families and communities. Learn more at www.vfwauxiliary.org.
•••
RELATED ARTICLES
American Legion Post 22 receives three district awards, two earned for first time in post history
VFW Post 621 celebrates 20th anniversary
Be the first to comment