Established in 1947, our Voice of Democracy audio-essay program provides high school students with the unique opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay. Each year, nearly 25,000 ninth through 12th grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $1 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program.
The national first place winner receives a $35,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school. A complete list of other national scholarships range from $1,000-$21,000, and the first place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins at least a scholarship of $1,000. Before submitting your essay, read the rules and eligibility requirements, and your essay must be turned in to the Roseville VFW by midnight, Oct. 31 each year.
PATRIOTS PEN
Each year, nearly 68,800 students in sixth through eighth grades enter the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen youth essay contest for a chance to win their share of nearly $1 million in state and national awards. Each first place state winner receives a minimum of $500 at the national level, and the national first place winner wins $5,000!
The essay contest encourages young minds to examine America’s history, along with their own experiences in modern American society, by drafting a 300- to 400-word essay, expressing their views based on a patriotic theme chosen by the VFW Commander-in-Chief. Before submitting your essay, read the rules and eligibility requirements, and your essay must be turned in to the Roseville VFW by midnight, Oct. 31 each year.
Education Leadership
The VFW has several other programs to recognize leaders in our local education community; Teacher of the Year, and School Bus Driver Award.
TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Without our nation’s Veterans, America wouldn't be the great nation it is today. Our youth deserve to learn about our rich history, traditions and the role of our Veterans in creating and shaping America.
Each year, anyone can nominate elementary, middle, and high school teachers to participate in the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher program. They then compete at the Post, District, Department (State), and National level.
Please review the new rules and eligibility requirements and complete the entry form and it must be turned in to the Roseville VFW by midnight, Oct. 31 each year.
SCHOOL BUS DRIVER AWARD
The Roseville VFW will accept one nomination per school in the area for the School Bus Driver Safe Student Transporation Award. Per the form they must be endorsed by that school's Principal. Forms are due to the Roseville VFW by midnight February 1st, each year. The Roseville VFW will select one Post Winner and forward them on the District by February 15.