Essay deadlines, teacher nominations due by Oct. 31

Patriot’s Pen and Voice of Democracy

Each year the Veterans of Foreign Wars sponsors two contests: Patriot’s Pen (grades 6-8) and Voice of Democracy (grades 9-12). Patriot’s Pen is a written essay contest. The Voice of Democracy is an audio essay competition. We are bringing this to the attention of Holliston readers to stimulate a higher level of interest and participation among Holliston’s students at those grade levels. Entries are submitted at the post level, which in the case of Holliston is the Leonard D. Chesmore Post 8507 located at 310 Woodland Street. 

The deadline for entries is Oct. 31, 2026. Post-level winners advance to district, district-level winners advance to state, and state-level winners go on to national where the Voice of Democracy winner is awarded a $35,000 scholarship. The Patriot’s Pen national winner is awarded a $5,000 scholarship. There are also lesser awards at the post, district, state and national levels.

The contests provide students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in-regards-to composing democratic and patriotic-themed essays. The theme for both contests this year is: “What a Veteran Taught Me about America.” Find more information and entry forms/eligibility/rules at:

https://vfw.org/community/youth-and-education/youth-scholarships  

Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award Citations for Elementary, Middle & High School Teachers and their Schools

Each year, the Veterans of Foreign Wars selects elementary, middle and high school teachers to participate in the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher program. Each VFW post may submit one Teacher Award candidate in each grade level to their District by Nov. 15. 

All current certified/licensed teachers in grades K-12 are eligible. Previous national winners are ineligible. Nominations can be submitted by teachers themselves, fellow teachers, supervisors, family members or other interested individuals. Nominations must be received by October 31, 2026.

Teachers who promote civic responsibility, flag etiquette and patriotism are prime candidates for this award. For example, do you know a teacher who plans field trips to city hall or organizes community volunteer projects? Maybe you know an instructor who invites veterans into the classroom to discuss their military experiences. Perhaps you are familiar with a teacher who fosters the development of democratic values and beliefs through special projects. If you know of such a teacher, honor them today.

Entries are submitted at the post level, which in the case of Holliston is the Leonard D. Chesmore Post 8507 located at 310 Woodland Street. The deadline for entries is Oct. 31, 2026.