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! As well as scholarship from our District (Suffolk County) and from VFW Post 433. 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. Students interested in participating must submit their essay prepared on this year's theme, with a completed 2025-2026 entry form. Submissions can be emailed directly to Russell@VFWRidersNY.org or can be mailed/dropped off at VFW Post 433, or submitted online here, applications must be turned in by midnight, Oct. 31.
The 2025-26 theme is:
"How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?”
About the 2024-2025 winner ...
Evelyn Newbigging, an eighth grade student from Lancaster, South Carolina, was named the 2024-2025 Patriot's Pen first place winner. Her essay on the theme, "My Voice in America's Democracy?" won the national first place $5,000 award. Newbigging was sponsored by VFW Post 12136 located in Indian Land, South Carolina.
Watch as Newbigging delivered her winning essay during the 2025 VFW's Parade of Winners that was streamed live, or read her essay here. See the complete list of 2025 national winners.
