The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5491 is inviting Mahopac students to reflect on patriotism and service by submitting to the VFW’s national contests. All entries are considered for a share of the program’s annual prizes, which total over $2 million in educational scholarships and cash incentives.
For the first time, the Mahopac Central School District will participate in the Patriot’s Pen and Voice of Democracy contests. This year’s theme for Patriot's Pen contests is “How are you showing patriotism and support for our country? ‘Voice of Democracy asks highschoolers, "Is America today our forefathers’ vision?"
The Patriot’s Pen contest invites middle schoolers to answer the question by writing a 300-word essay, while Voice of Democracy asks high school students to submit a recorded three-minute speech.
Timothy McArdle, a Yorktown Heights resident and retired Airforce veteran, helped run the contests for more than a decade in Somers before bringing them to Mahopac this year.
“The contests are a way to help young people appreciate the freedoms they enjoy and the sacrifices made by veterans to secure them,” McArdle said.
Entries are first judged by a committee at the local post level, with top submissions advancing to district, state and national competitions. McArdle said local winners receive $50 from the Mahopac VFW, and higher-level winners can earn scholarships worth thousands of dollars. Any submission deemed eligible to advance to the district level will receive the $50 prize.
Last year, Alex Zywotchenko’s Patriot’s Pen entry from Somers won the New York State title, earning $500 and a shot at the national grand prize.
Submissions must be postmarked by Oct. 31 or submitted online by midnight that day. Entries can be submitted online at vfw.org or mailed to McArdle at 16 Cypress Lane, Yorktown Heights, N.Y. 10598. They may also be dropped off at the Mahopac VFW Post at 134 East Lake Boulevard.
For more information, visit vfw.org/community/youth-and-education/youth-scholarships.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here