Patriot’s Pen

For grades 6–8, including public, private, parochial, and home school students. National rules cover qualifying overseas dependents and require lawful U.S. permanent residence, or a pending eligible application with intent to become a citizen. Foreign exchange students are ineligible. Georgia also excludes previous national finalists; check with the Georgia chair if that affects you.

• Typed English essay of 300–400 words; the form allows a maximum five-word variation. The title and footnotes do not count. Use no color or graphics.
• Complete and sign the current entry form, including the parent/guardian section. Attach it as the cover sheet for a paper entry.
• Keep identifying information out of the essay. Write your own original work; inappropriate AI use and poetry are prohibited. Clearly identify limited quotations. An adult may check mechanics, but must not write the content.
• Enter through one Post only. Georgia requests a photograph for entries advancing to state.

Arrange delivery with a participating Post. Email requires that Post’s permission; Scholars App requires a link or QR code supplied by that Post. Direct entries to VFW National Headquarters are not accepted. Post 12239 has no confirmed local acceptance method.

Georgia lists $500 and a plaque for first place, $200 for second, and $100 for third. National first prize is $5,000; state winners receive at least $500 at the national level. Local awards are unconfirmed.