VFW hosts writing contest for students

Windham-Raymond RSU14 students in grades four through high school, and homeschoolers in these grades, have an opportunity to compete in the annual essay competition sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars. November 1 is the deadline for student entries.

Commander Willie Goodman of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 10643 in Windham has announced the kick-off of this year's VFW Patriot's Pen and Voice of Democracy Essay Competitions.

Students in grades 4 and 5 have the opportunity to compete in the annual essay competition on a local level and win $100 for first place and $50 for second place. Students are invited to write a 300 to 400 word essay on the 2014-2015 theme, "Why I Appreciate America's Veterans". The deadline for entries is November 1.

Middle school students in grades 6 through 8 have the same opportunity, except their competition begins at the local VFW Post and Post winners advance to district level, then to the state competition. State winners compete for $46,000 in awards with the first place award of $5,000. Deadline is November 1. Students must write a 300 to 400 word essay on "Why I Appreciate America's Veterans".

High school students compete in the Voice of Democracy Scholarship Competition for thousands of dollars in scholarships and a trip to Washington, D.C. The deadline is also November 1. Competition begins at the local VFW Post, then advances to district, and then to the state level. State winners receive a four-day trip to Washington to compete with other state finalists. First place is $30,000. Students must write and record a three to five minute essay on the theme, "Why Veterans are Important to Our Nation's History and Future" on an audio cassette tape or audio CD and present their recording, typed essay and entry form at the VFW Post in North Windham.

All homeschoolers in these grades are encouraged to participate.

Interested students and teachers with questions should contact their local VFW representative by phone at 228-4329.