10/22/2026
๐บ๐ธ ATTENTION STUDENTS, PARENTS & TEACHERS! ๐บ๐ธ
๐ YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES โ NOW ACCEPTING ENTRIES! ๐
Do you know a student who enjoys writing, sharing their thoughts, or learning about our nationโs veterans?
The Darlington-Dublin VFW Post 10146 & Auxiliary are encouraging local students to participate in the VFWโs 2026โ2027 Patriotโs Pen and Voice of Democracy scholarship competitions!
These programs give students the opportunity to share their perspectives, honor our veterans, and compete for awards and recognition at the local, district, state, and national levels! ๐
โ๏ธ PATRIOTโS PEN โ GRADES 6โ8
This patriotic essay competition encourages middle school students to express their thoughts about America and the lessons we can learn from our veterans.
๐ Write an original 300โ400 word essay.
๐บ๐ธ 2026โ2027 Theme:
โWhat a Veteran Taught Me About Americaโ
๐ National First-Place Award: $5,000!
Students advancing through the competition also have opportunities for awards and recognition at the district and state levels!
๐ค VOICE OF DEMOCRACY โ GRADES 9โ12
High school students have the opportunity to share their patriotic perspectives through an original audio essay.
๐๏ธ Record a 3โ5 minute audio essay.
๐ Include a typed copy of your essay.
๐บ๐ธ 2026โ2027 Theme:
โWhat a Veteran Taught Me About Americaโ
๐ National First-Place Scholarship: $35,000!
Students can also earn recognition and scholarship awards as they advance through district and state competitions!
โฐ THE DEADLINE IS ALMOST HERE!
๐
OCTOBER 31, 2026 โ BOTH CONTESTS!
We are ACTIVELY COLLECTING ENTRIES, and thereโs still time to participate!
๐ IMPORTANT ENTRY INFORMATION
โ
Students must complete the official entry form for their contest.
โ
Essays must follow the official competition rules and eligibility requirements.
โ
Voice of Democracy entries must include the required audio recording and typed essay.
โ
All entries must be submitted by the October 31 deadline.
๐ SUBMIT ENTRIES TO:
Darlington-Dublin VFW Post 10146
3440 Conowingo Road
Street, MD 21154
๐ OFFICIAL RULES & ENTRY FORMS:
https://www.vfw.org/community/youth-and-education/youth-scholarships
โค๏ธ HELP US SPREAD THE WORD!
Parents, grandparents, teachers, school administrators, homeschool families, and community members โ PLEASE SHARE this opportunity with students in grades 6โ12!
You never know which young person in our community could be the next district, state, or national scholarship winner!
These competitions are about more than scholarships. Theyโre about encouraging our youth to connect with our veterans, learn from their experiences, and develop a deeper appreciation for our country.
๐บ๐ธ OUR VETERANS. OUR YOUTH. OUR FUTURE. ๐บ๐ธ