COLUSA, CA (MPG) — The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2441 is now accepting entries for the 2025-26 Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen scholarship programs. These national competitions promote patriotism, civic responsibility and youth leadership.
Established in 1947, the Voice of Democracy audio-essay competition invites high school students in grades 9 through 12 to share their views on democracy and patriotism. Each year, more than 26,000 students nationwide compete for over $1.4 million in scholarships and awards.
The national first-place winner receives a $35,000 scholarship paid directly to their college, university or technical school. Other national awards range from $1,000 to $21,000, and every state winner earns at least $1,000. VFW Post 2441 will award $500 to the local first-place winner.
This year’s theme is “How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?” Students must submit a recorded essay and completed entry form to Post 2441 by midnight, Oct. 31, 2025.
The Patriot’s Pen essay contest is open to students in grades 6 through 8. Participants write a 300- to 400-word essay on the same theme. More than 60,000 students compete nationally each year for nearly $1 million in prizes. The national first-place prize is $5,000, and each state winner receives at least $500. The local winner will also receive $500 from Post 2441.
Students should contact VFW Post 2441 for rules, entry forms and submission instructions. All entries are due by Oct. 31, 2025.
For more information, visit vfw.org or contact Chaz Franklin at (530) 635-0746, webebugs@gmail.com, or Duane Nokes at (530) 701-9413, nokes@sbcglobal.net.