The Hastings’ Lyle Russell VFW Post 1210 is once again hosting the annual Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen Essay Contests within the local area.

This is a great opportunity for students to challenge their written or verbal skills! Local winners will receive cash awards and a chance to compete at the National level. Patriot’s Pen winners could earn up to $5,000 and Voice of Democracy winners will have a chance to compete for a $30,000 scholarship and an all-expense paid trip to Washington D C.

The Patriot’s Pen is open to all students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. The 2020-2021 theme is “What is Patriotism to Me?”

The Voice of Democracy is open to all students in 9th – 12th grade.

The Voice of Democracy is a 3-5 minute essay placed on an audio CD or flash drive. The 2020-2021 theme is “Is This the Country the Founders Envisioned?”

Student participants are asked to submit their entry along with a completed entry form to their school coordinator after the start of the school year by 31 October. They will then be forwarded to Post 1210 for post judging.

Teachers, students and parents can view previous winner submissions and obtain additional information by visiting https://www.vfw.org/community/ youth-and-education/youth-scholarships. For additional information contact VFW Post 1210 at (651) 437-8231 or email [email protected] com.