Youth in Star Valley will once again have the opportunity to compete in two Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) scholarship contests. The first, Patriots Pen, is an essay competition that gives youth an opportunity to write essays expressing their views on democracy with the prospect of winning U.S. savings bonds.

The grand prize in the Patriots Pen contest is a $10,000 bond and an all expenses paid trip to Washington D.C. All those placing first through forty-fifth will all receive money, not less $1,000. Patriots Pen is open to all 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students enrolled in school.

For those interested, this year’s theme is “Why America’s Veterans Should Be Honored”. Those who wish to participate need to contact the local VFW Post. The deadline for essays to be turned in to the local VFW Post is November 1, 2008.

“I’m a firm believer in these children’s programs,” said Chuck Sutter, VFW member and Wyoming Veteran’s Commissioner. Another program, Voice of Democracy, will be taking place at the same time. Voice of Democracy is the VFW’s premier scholarship program. Each year more than 100,000 high school students compete for more than $42.5 million dollars in scholarship money and incentives. The highest level winner will receive a $30,000 scholarship.

The Voice of Democracy program has participants record an audio essay to submit to be judged, which will be under the theme “Service and Sacrifice by America’s Veterans Benefit Today’s Youth by…” this year.

“I really do believe in the program,” said Sutter.

Interested high school students should contact the local VFW Post to get specific guidelines and rules for the contest. The deadline will be November 1 for this contest as well. Many Star Valley students have done well with the programs in the past and the local VFW Post is hoping for large participation this year. Those with questions may contact Chuck Sutter at (307) 883-4312.

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