The Hastings’ Lyle Russell VFW Post 1210 is 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 State and National levels. 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 allexpense paid trip to Washington D.C.

Retired Local educator and VFW Post 1210’s local program chairman, Don Olson stated “We would really like to see an increase in the number of local student participants this year. We are confident we have students in the Hastings area who possess the skills and talent required to place at both the State and National levels.”

The Patriot’s Pen essay contest encourages young minds to examine America’s history, along with their own experiences in modern American society, by drafting a 300to 400word essay, expressing their views based on a patriotic theme chosen by the VFW CommanderinChief. It is open to all students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. The 20222023 theme is “My Pledge to Our Veterans.”

Established in 1947, our Voice of Democracy audioessay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regard to a democratic and patrioticthemed recorded essay.

The Voice of Democracy is open to all students in 9th 12th grade. The Voice of Democracy is a 3–5minute essay placed on an audio CD or flash drive. The 20222023 theme is America: 'Why is the Veteran Important?'

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. School Points of Contact: Middle School: Megan Latch, Counseling Office, High school: Jody Geib, Career Office, andSEAS students should see their appropriate teacher.

Teachers, students, and parents can view previous winner submissions and obtain additional information by visiting https://www.vfw.org/community/youthandeducation/ youthscholarships. For additional information contact VFW Post 1210 at (651) 4378231 or email [email protected]

Lyle Russell VFW Post 1210 is a 501c (19) organization – New members are welcomed!