Patriotic Written Essay Competition
2025-2026 Theme “How Are You Showing Patriotism And Support For Our Country?”
Conducted nationwide, this VFW-sponsored youth essay competition gives
students an opportunity to write essays expressing their views on an annual
patriotic theme. We invite you to join the more than 60,000 students who
participated last year in this contest.
The contest consists of four levels. The first level (entry) is sponsored by
VFW Posts. Post winners advance, one for every 15 entries, to the VFW
District (regional) level where one first-place winner is advanced to the
VFW Department (state) level. The first-place winner at the Department
level is then advanced into the VFW national competition
Students are judged:
· Knowledge of the theme is worth 30 points:
You must show a thorough knowledge of the theme in your work.
Demonstrate you have researched the issue extensively.
· Theme development is worth 35 points:
Answer all relevant facts about the theme such as the who, what, where,
when and why. Relate the theme to your own experiences.
· Clarity of ideas is worth 35 points:
Write your essay in an easy-to-understand format. Leave your reader
with a clear understanding of your explanation of the theme.
This years winners!!!!
1st place - $250 - Ava Branca-Boylan
2nd place - $150 – Kaitlyn Abramson
3rd place - $100 – Gabriella Gesualdo
