Veterans of Foreign Wars Nutley Post 493 and the Ladies Auxiliary are offering local students an opportunity to win awards for participating in the Voice of Democracy and Patriots Pen scholarship competitions.
First prize at the national level for the Voice of Democracy winner is a $30,000 scholarship paid directly to an American college, university or vocational/technical school of the student’s choice. First prize at the national level for the Patriots Pen contest is a $10,000 U.S. Savings Bond.
The Voice of Democracy contest is a 3-5 minute audio essay contest for students in grades 9-12. The theme is: “Is our Constitution Still Relevant?” The contest is open to any high school student enrolled in a public, private or parochial school, as well as those who are home schooled.
The Patriots Pen contest is a 300–400 word typewritten essay and is open to students in grades 6-8. The theme is: “What I Would Tell America’s Founding Fathers.” This contest is also available to public, private, parochial and home schooled students.
Applications for the contests are available through the Belleville and Nutley schools or may be picked up at VFW Post 493, 271 Washington Ave. Students applications must be received no later than Nov.1. They will be judged at the post, district and state levels and the state winners will be submitted to VFW National Headquarters for the scholarship level awards. Students are also eligible for first, second and third place awards at the post, district and state levels.
For more information, contact Post Commander Darrell Root at 973 235-9661 or Auxiliary President Liz Meder at 862 208-0584.
