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To submit forms to a local VFW Auxiliary, see contact information at the end of this article.

Teacher Of The Year (Submission deadline is Thursday, Oct. 31.)

Without our nation’s veterans, America wouldn't be the great nation it is today. Our youth deserve to learn about our rich history, traditions and the role of our veterans in creating and shaping America.

The VFW Teacher of the Year award contest recognizes three exceptional teachers for their outstanding commitment to teaching Americanism and patriotism to their students. Each year, a certified/licensed elementary, junior high and high school teacher whose curriculum focuses on citizenship education topics can be nominated for the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award. Winners receive —

• A $1,000 award for professional-development expenses.

• A $1,000 award for his/her school.

• Two award plaques: one for the teacher, the other for his/her school.

• An all-expenses-paid trip to attend a VFW conference to receive their award.

Download the nomination form here: https://vfworg-cdn.azureedge.net/-/media/VFWSite/Files/Community/Youth-and-Education/TeacheroftheYearAwardBrochure.pdf?v=1&d=20190326T140132Z&la=en

Youth Scholarships

Every year, students compete for their share of $3 million in scholarships and awards. The Veterans of Foreign Wars(VFW) and its Auxiliary are dedicated to promoting patriotism and investing in our future generation. If you are a democracy-loving high school student interested in a $30,000 college scholarship or a patriotic middle-school student interested in winning $5,000, these scholarships may be for you.

Voice of Democracy(Submission deadline is Thursday, Oct. 31.)

Established in 1947, our Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay. Each year, nearly 40,000 9-12 grade students from across the country enter to win their share of $2.1 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program.

The national first-place winner receives a $30,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school. A complete list of other national scholarships range from $1,000-$16,000, and the first-place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins a minimum scholarship of $1,000 and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. Want to apply? Read the rules and eligibility requirements, then download and complete the 2019-20 entry form. The 2019-20 theme is: "What Makes America Great"

Download the Voice of Democracy entry form here: https://vfworg-cdn.azureedge.net/-/media/VFWSite/Files/Community/Youth-and-Education/Voice-of-Democracy-Entry-Form-Fillable.pdf?la=en&v=1&d=20190408T161848Z

Patriot's Pen(Submission deadline is Thursday, Oct. 31.)

Each year more than 132,000 students in grades 6-8 enter the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen youth essay contest. The national first-place winner wins $5,000 and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. The first-place winner from each state competes for national awards totaling $55,000, with each first-place state winner receiving a minimum of $500 at the national level.

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. Want to apply? Read the rules and eligibility requirements, then download and complete the 2019-20 entry form. The 2019-20 theme is: "What Makes America Great"

Download the Patriot's Pen entry form here: https://vfworg-cdn.azureedge.net/-/media/VFWSite/Files/Community/Youth-and-Education/Patriots-Pen-Entry-Form-Fillable.pdf?v=1&d=20190308T165518Z&la=en

American Creative Patriotic Art Contest (Submission deadline is March 31, 2020.)

Each year, more than 4,000 high school students from across the country participate in the VFW Auxiliary’s Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest. The contest began in 1979 to recognize up-and-coming artists and encourage patriotism in youth.

Who Is Eligible To Apply?

• Any student in grades 9-12 who is enrolled in a public, private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States.

• Maximum student age of 18 at time of local entry.

• Student must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national.

• Applicant does not have to be related to a VFW or VFW Auxiliary member to participate, but the student must attend school in the same state as the sponsoring VFW Auxiliary.

What Is The Scholarship Amount?

The first-place winner from each state competes for national awards totaling $31,000.

What Are The Scholarship Submission Requirements?

• Two-dimensional art must be on canvas or paper. Watercolor, pencil, pastel, charcoal, tempera, crayon, acrylic, pen, ink, oil, marker or other media taught may be used.

• Do not frame two-dimensional pieces.

• Submit canvas entries on a stretcher frame or canvas board.

• Other entries must bematted in white. Do not use color mats. Reinforce the back with heavy paper. Mounted and floating mats may also be used.

• The art should be no smaller than 8” x 10” but no larger than 18” x 24”, not including mat.

• Three-dimensional art can be paper, papier-mâché, pottery, clay, metal work, fabric, etc.

• Pieces should be no larger than 18” in any direction.

• Art cannot be more than 5 lbs. in weight.

• Digital art, photography and jewelry are not accepted.

• Complete entry form (https://vfwauxiliary.org/wp-content/uploads/Patriotic-Art-Fillable-Brochure_071018.pdf) and attach to back of entry.

• Submit a typed explanation of patriotism expressed in art (250 words or less).

Local VFW Contact

• Auxiliary Scholarship Chair Carol Allen

• Veterans of Foreign Wars Stanley A. Crews Post 3513

• 7220 E Wilshire Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85257

• (480) 941-9849