Optimistic young patriots in Callaway County stand to secure their academic future with two annual essay contests sponsored by the VFW.
Fulton VFW Post 2657's Ladies' and Men's auxiliaries are sponsoring the local judging of the Patriot's Pen and Voice of Democracy essay contests. Entries are due Nov. 1.
Students in sixth through eighth grade are eligible to submit a 300-400 word typed essay on "what patriotism means to me" for Patriot's Pen, while ninth through 12th graders can submit recorded audio essays between three to five minutes on "why I'm optimistic about our nation's future" for Voices of Democracy.
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The theme for each is chosen annually by the national VFW commander. Winners from the Callaway post will move on to district competitions, where they will have a chance to have their work judged at the state and national levels.
Winners of the national contest can earn a $30,000 scholarship for the Voices of Democracy or a $10,000 savings bond for Patriot's Pen.