VFW competitions designed to reward students, promote patriotism

With the fall comes one of the most rewarding parts of local VFW community service — different avenues for students to showcase their talents and creative expression through patriotic themes. That means it competition time.

“One of the biggest parts of our work is promoting patriotism,” said Tom Boniol, Senior Vice Commander and chair for the scholarship program. “What better place to start than with our young people and a host of great events.”

Last year saw local VFW Post 3615 and its Auxiliary host its most successful awards program to date.

More than 40 awards were handed out to students from kindergarten through high school during the spring awards reception with several advancing to win at the district and state level.

“We’re already looking forward to what our students will accomplish this year,” Boniol continued. “We are blessed with incredibly talented young people in this community.”

Area schools have received information about the different competitions yet there is still time for others to get involved. For students interested in pursuing any of the VFW and/ or Auxiliary youth scholarship opportunities or for community members who choose to submit a nomination, this year’s competitions include the following:

• Elementary Youth Focus on Patriotism and Americanism — kindergarten students color a provided template of the American flag, first and second grades draw and color an American flag freehand, third and fourth grade students draw and color a patriotic event, and 5th grade students write a 300 or less word essay focused on “How I Honor Veterans.” Each of these has an Oct. 31 deadline.

• Patriot’s Pen (Youth Essay Competition for Students in Grades 6-8) and Voice of Democracy (Youth Essay Competition for Students in Grades 9-12) also an Oct. 31, deadline for entry at the local level.

The theme for this year’s Patriot’s Pen is “My Voice in America’s Democracy” and Voice of Democracy focuses on “Is America Today Our Forefathers’ Vision ?”

More information including topic and registration forms can be found at www. vfw. org/ community/ youth-and-education/ youth-scholarships.

• Recognition Program for Outstanding Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts is due March 1, 2025. Details and entry forms can be located at www.vfw.org/community/ youth-and-education/ scout-of-the-year.

• The Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest for students in grades 9- 12 will divide into two categories again this year: original two-dimensional artwork and original three- dimensional artwork.

The local deadline is March 31, 2025, and more information can be found at www. vfwauxiliary. org/scholarships.

• While the national organization has discontinued its Get Excited for the Red, White and Blue (National Anthem Singing Contest), the local Post will continue the opportunity to highlight the importance of The Star Spangled Banner.

The contest will once again be offered in two different grade divisions: k-8 and 9-12 with submissions due by March 1, 2025.

• In addition, Illustrating America (a patriotic art contest that encourages students’ artistic abilities as they express how they see America through drawings and paintings) is offered in three different grade divisions: k-2, 3-5 and 6-8.

Deadline for entries is March 1, 2025, and information on both contests can be located at www. vfwauxiliary. org/whatwe-do/youthactivities.

• Finally, there is a recognition program for outstanding educators who instill a sense of national pride in students. Categories include k- 5, 6- 8, and 9- 12. Nomination/ entry forms can be found at www. vfw. org/ community/ youth- andeducation/ teacher- ofthe- year and must be submitted to the local Post by Oct. 31.

“Don’t let all the different contests and websites overwhelm you,” Boniol added. “We have lots of folks throughout the community who have been involved and are ready to help. That includes us at the Post. We hope everyone will encourage students and youth to enter the appropriate contests and then support them as they compete.

“There are great prizes associated with these different events but for us, seeing young people promoting patriotism and a better understanding of our country and those who served is greatest reward.”

For more information, contact Tom Boniol ( 318- 914- 9819, vfwpost3615ruston@gmail.com) or Debbie Holmes ( 318- 548- 6648, debbieholmes@ bellsouth. net).

Both organizations will be happy to assist in any way and pick up entries in order to meet the deadlines for each event.