Each year, more than 60,600 students in sixth through eighth grades enter the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen® annual youth essay contest for a chance to win their share of nearly $1 million in state and national awards. Each first place state winner receives a minimum of $500 at the national level, and 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- to 400-word essay, expressing their views based on a patriotic theme chosen by the VFW Commander-in-Chief.
Patriot’s Pen (Grades 6–8)
Program Type: Written Essay Contest
The Patriot’s Pen essay contest invites middle school students to write about patriotism and citizenship. The Department winner advances to National for a chance to win up to $5,000 and a trip to Washington, D.C.
2026–2027 Theme: "What A Veteran Taught Me About America?”
Submission Method: All Patriot’s Pen entries must be submitted through the Scholars App. Paper or emailed submissions are not accepted.
October 31, 2026
Entries must be uploaded to Scholars App by midnight for Post judging.
November 15, 2026
Post winners promoted in Scholars App by midnight. Posts should promote ONE entry for every FIFTEEN judged.
December 15, 2026
District promotes ONE winner to Department through Scholars App by midnight.