Scholarships in South Dakota
These are all open scholarships for students either resident in or looking to study in South Dakota. Select other state
- VFW - Patriot's Pen - South Dakota - District 10 - Post 1273Conducted 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 73,000 students who participated last year in this contest. **What Is the Theme?** VFW's Commander-in-Chief annually chooses the year's theme. The 2023-2024 theme is: **"How Are You Inspired by America?"** 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 the 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. Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, State and National level. Department (State) winners receive a portion of $55,000 in national awards. National Winners will receive at least $500. **The first-place national award is currently $5,000.** All entries are submitted at the Post level. Contestants are allowed to enter only once each year if otherwise eligible (one Post competition) **Eligibility:** **Patriot’s Pen is open to 6th, 7th and 8th-grade students enrolled by the Oct. 31 deadline in public, private or parochial schools in the U.S., its territories or its possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Home-schooled students also are eligible. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application which has not been denied) and intends to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. (Foreign exchange students or former winners that placed in the National contest are ineligible.) **Contest Rules:** * You must write your own essay. The essay must be the contestant's original work and product of the contestant's own thinking. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. * Essays should be typed in English with no color or graphics. 300 - 400 words in length (+ or - 5 words max). Every word is counted. * **In no way may the contestants identify themselves within their essay** (including, but not limited to, your name, school, city, state, race or national origin.) * Do not put your name on your essay **Judging Criteria:** * **Knowledge of the theme is worth 30 points:** You must show a thorough knowledge of the theme in your work. Demonstrate that 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.
- VFW - Patriot's Pen - South Dakota - District 10 - Post 2730Conducted 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 73,000 students who participated last year in this contest. **What Is the Theme?** VFW's Commander-in-Chief annually chooses the year's theme. The 2023-2024 theme is: **"How Are You Inspired by America?"** 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 the 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. Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, State and National level. Department (State) winners receive a portion of $55,000 in national awards. National Winners will receive at least $500. **The first-place national award is currently $5,000.** All entries are submitted at the Post level. Contestants are allowed to enter only once each year if otherwise eligible (one Post competition) **Eligibility:** **Patriot’s Pen is open to 6th, 7th and 8th-grade students enrolled by the Oct. 31 deadline in public, private or parochial schools in the U.S., its territories or its possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Home-schooled students also are eligible. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application which has not been denied) and intends to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. (Foreign exchange students or former winners that placed in the National contest are ineligible.) **Contest Rules:** * You must write your own essay. The essay must be the contestant's original work and product of the contestant's own thinking. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. * Essays should be typed in English with no color or graphics. 300 - 400 words in length (+ or - 5 words max). Every word is counted. * **In no way may the contestants identify themselves within their essay** (including, but not limited to, your name, school, city, state, race or national origin.) * Do not put your name on your essay **Judging Criteria:** * **Knowledge of the theme is worth 30 points:** You must show a thorough knowledge of the theme in your work. Demonstrate that 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.
- VFW - Patriot's Pen - South Dakota - District 10 - Post 2969Conducted 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 73,000 students who participated last year in this contest. **What Is the Theme?** VFW's Commander-in-Chief annually chooses the year's theme. The 2023-2024 theme is: **"How Are You Inspired by America?"** 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 the 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. Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, State and National level. Department (State) winners receive a portion of $55,000 in national awards. National Winners will receive at least $500. **The first-place national award is currently $5,000.** All entries are submitted at the Post level. Contestants are allowed to enter only once each year if otherwise eligible (one Post competition) **Eligibility:** **Patriot’s Pen is open to 6th, 7th and 8th-grade students enrolled by the Oct. 31 deadline in public, private or parochial schools in the U.S., its territories or its possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Home-schooled students also are eligible. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application which has not been denied) and intends to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. (Foreign exchange students or former winners that placed in the National contest are ineligible.) **Contest Rules:** * You must write your own essay. The essay must be the contestant's original work and product of the contestant's own thinking. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. * Essays should be typed in English with no color or graphics. 300 - 400 words in length (+ or - 5 words max). Every word is counted. * **In no way may the contestants identify themselves within their essay** (including, but not limited to, your name, school, city, state, race or national origin.) * Do not put your name on your essay **Judging Criteria:** * **Knowledge of the theme is worth 30 points:** You must show a thorough knowledge of the theme in your work. Demonstrate that 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.
- VFW - Patriot's Pen - South Dakota - District 10 - Post 3312Conducted 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 73,000 students who participated last year in this contest. **What Is the Theme?** VFW's Commander-in-Chief annually chooses the year's theme. The 2023-2024 theme is: **"How Are You Inspired by America?"** 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 the 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. Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, State and National level. Department (State) winners receive a portion of $55,000 in national awards. National Winners will receive at least $500. **The first-place national award is currently $5,000.** All entries are submitted at the Post level. Contestants are allowed to enter only once each year if otherwise eligible (one Post competition) **Eligibility:** **Patriot’s Pen is open to 6th, 7th and 8th-grade students enrolled by the Oct. 31 deadline in public, private or parochial schools in the U.S., its territories or its possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Home-schooled students also are eligible. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application which has not been denied) and intends to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. (Foreign exchange students or former winners that placed in the National contest are ineligible.) **Contest Rules:** * You must write your own essay. The essay must be the contestant's original work and product of the contestant's own thinking. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. * Essays should be typed in English with no color or graphics. 300 - 400 words in length (+ or - 5 words max). Every word is counted. * **In no way may the contestants identify themselves within their essay** (including, but not limited to, your name, school, city, state, race or national origin.) * Do not put your name on your essay **Judging Criteria:** * **Knowledge of the theme is worth 30 points:** You must show a thorough knowledge of the theme in your work. Demonstrate that 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.
- VFW - Patriot's Pen - South Dakota - District 10 - Post 3442Conducted 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 73,000 students who participated last year in this contest. **What Is the Theme?** VFW's Commander-in-Chief annually chooses the year's theme. The 2023-2024 theme is: **"How Are You Inspired by America?"** 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 the 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. Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, State and National level. Department (State) winners receive a portion of $55,000 in national awards. National Winners will receive at least $500. **The first-place national award is currently $5,000.** Post Awarding: $150.00 All entries are submitted at the Post level. Contestants are allowed to enter only once each year if otherwise eligible (one Post competition) **Eligibility:** **Patriot’s Pen is open to 6th, 7th and 8th-grade students enrolled by the Oct. 31 deadline in public, private or parochial schools in the U.S., its territories or its possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Home-schooled students also are eligible. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application which has not been denied) and intends to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. (Foreign exchange students or former winners that placed in the National contest are ineligible.) **Contest Rules:** * You must write your own essay. The essay must be the contestant's original work and product of the contestant's own thinking. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. * Essays should be typed in English with no color or graphics. 300 - 400 words in length (+ or - 5 words max). Every word is counted. * **In no way may the contestants identify themselves within their essay** (including, but not limited to, your name, school, city, state, race or national origin.) * Do not put your name on your essay **Judging Criteria:** * **Knowledge of the theme is worth 30 points:** You must show a thorough knowledge of the theme in your work. Demonstrate that 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.
- VFW - Patriot's Pen - South Dakota - District 10 - Post 5751Conducted 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 73,000 students who participated last year in this contest. **What Is the Theme?** VFW's Commander-in-Chief annually chooses the year's theme. The 2023-2024 theme is: **"How Are You Inspired by America?"** 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 the 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. Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, State and National level. Department (State) winners receive a portion of $55,000 in national awards. National Winners will receive at least $500. **The first-place national award is currently $5,000.** All entries are submitted at the Post level. Contestants are allowed to enter only once each year if otherwise eligible (one Post competition) **Eligibility:** **Patriot’s Pen is open to 6th, 7th and 8th-grade students enrolled by the Oct. 31 deadline in public, private or parochial schools in the U.S., its territories or its possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Home-schooled students also are eligible. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application which has not been denied) and intends to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. (Foreign exchange students or former winners that placed in the National contest are ineligible.) **Contest Rules:** * You must write your own essay. The essay must be the contestant's original work and product of the contestant's own thinking. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. * Essays should be typed in English with no color or graphics. 300 - 400 words in length (+ or - 5 words max). Every word is counted. * **In no way may the contestants identify themselves within their essay** (including, but not limited to, your name, school, city, state, race or national origin.) * Do not put your name on your essay **Judging Criteria:** * **Knowledge of the theme is worth 30 points:** You must show a thorough knowledge of the theme in your work. Demonstrate that 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.
- VFW - Patriot's Pen - South Dakota - District 10 - Post 5807Conducted 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 73,000 students who participated last year in this contest. **What Is the Theme?** VFW's Commander-in-Chief annually chooses the year's theme. The 2023-2024 theme is: **"How Are You Inspired by America?"** 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 the 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. Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, State and National level. Department (State) winners receive a portion of $55,000 in national awards. National Winners will receive at least $500. **The first-place national award is currently $5,000.** All entries are submitted at the Post level. Contestants are allowed to enter only once each year if otherwise eligible (one Post competition) **Eligibility:** **Patriot’s Pen is open to 6th, 7th and 8th-grade students enrolled by the Oct. 31 deadline in public, private or parochial schools in the U.S., its territories or its possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Home-schooled students also are eligible. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application which has not been denied) and intends to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. (Foreign exchange students or former winners that placed in the National contest are ineligible.) **Contest Rules:** * You must write your own essay. The essay must be the contestant's original work and product of the contestant's own thinking. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. * Essays should be typed in English with no color or graphics. 300 - 400 words in length (+ or - 5 words max). Every word is counted. * **In no way may the contestants identify themselves within their essay** (including, but not limited to, your name, school, city, state, race or national origin.) * Do not put your name on your essay **Judging Criteria:** * **Knowledge of the theme is worth 30 points:** You must show a thorough knowledge of the theme in your work. Demonstrate that 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.
- VFW - Patriot's Pen - South Dakota - District 10 - Post 5860Conducted 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 73,000 students who participated last year in this contest. **What Is the Theme?** VFW's Commander-in-Chief annually chooses the year's theme. The 2023-2024 theme is: **"How Are You Inspired by America?"** 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 the 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. Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, State and National level. Department (State) winners receive a portion of $55,000 in national awards. National Winners will receive at least $500. **The first-place national award is currently $5,000.** Post Awarding: $100.00 All entries are submitted at the Post level. Contestants are allowed to enter only once each year if otherwise eligible (one Post competition) **Eligibility:** **Patriot’s Pen is open to 6th, 7th and 8th-grade students enrolled by the Oct. 31 deadline in public, private or parochial schools in the U.S., its territories or its possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Home-schooled students also are eligible. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application which has not been denied) and intends to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. (Foreign exchange students or former winners that placed in the National contest are ineligible.) **Contest Rules:** * You must write your own essay. The essay must be the contestant's original work and product of the contestant's own thinking. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. * Essays should be typed in English with no color or graphics. 300 - 400 words in length (+ or - 5 words max). Every word is counted. * **In no way may the contestants identify themselves within their essay** (including, but not limited to, your name, school, city, state, race or national origin.) * Do not put your name on your essay **Judging Criteria:** * **Knowledge of the theme is worth 30 points:** You must show a thorough knowledge of the theme in your work. Demonstrate that 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.
- VFW - Patriot's Pen - South Dakota - District 10 - Post 5969Conducted 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 73,000 students who participated last year in this contest. **What Is the Theme?** VFW's Commander-in-Chief annually chooses the year's theme. The 2023-2024 theme is: **"How Are You Inspired by America?"** 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 the 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. Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, State and National level. Department (State) winners receive a portion of $55,000 in national awards. National Winners will receive at least $500. **The first-place national award is currently $5,000.** All entries are submitted at the Post level. Contestants are allowed to enter only once each year if otherwise eligible (one Post competition) **Eligibility:** **Patriot’s Pen is open to 6th, 7th and 8th-grade students enrolled by the Oct. 31 deadline in public, private or parochial schools in the U.S., its territories or its possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Home-schooled students also are eligible. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application which has not been denied) and intends to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. (Foreign exchange students or former winners that placed in the National contest are ineligible.) **Contest Rules:** * You must write your own essay. The essay must be the contestant's original work and product of the contestant's own thinking. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. * Essays should be typed in English with no color or graphics. 300 - 400 words in length (+ or - 5 words max). Every word is counted. * **In no way may the contestants identify themselves within their essay** (including, but not limited to, your name, school, city, state, race or national origin.) * Do not put your name on your essay **Judging Criteria:** * **Knowledge of the theme is worth 30 points:** You must show a thorough knowledge of the theme in your work. Demonstrate that 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.
- VFW - Patriot's Pen - South Dakota - District 10 - Post 9120Conducted 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 73,000 students who participated last year in this contest. **What Is the Theme?** VFW's Commander-in-Chief annually chooses the year's theme. The 2023-2024 theme is: **"How Are You Inspired by America?"** 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 the 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. Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, State and National level. Department (State) winners receive a portion of $55,000 in national awards. National Winners will receive at least $500. **The first-place national award is currently $5,000.** All entries are submitted at the Post level. Contestants are allowed to enter only once each year if otherwise eligible (one Post competition) **Eligibility:** **Patriot’s Pen is open to 6th, 7th and 8th-grade students enrolled by the Oct. 31 deadline in public, private or parochial schools in the U.S., its territories or its possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Home-schooled students also are eligible. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application which has not been denied) and intends to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. (Foreign exchange students or former winners that placed in the National contest are ineligible.) **Contest Rules:** * You must write your own essay. The essay must be the contestant's original work and product of the contestant's own thinking. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. * Essays should be typed in English with no color or graphics. 300 - 400 words in length (+ or - 5 words max). Every word is counted. * **In no way may the contestants identify themselves within their essay** (including, but not limited to, your name, school, city, state, race or national origin.) * Do not put your name on your essay **Judging Criteria:** * **Knowledge of the theme is worth 30 points:** You must show a thorough knowledge of the theme in your work. Demonstrate that 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.
- VFW - Patriot's Pen - South Dakota - District 1 - Post 2975Conducted 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 73,000 students who participated last year in this contest. **What Is the Theme?** VFW's Commander-in-Chief annually chooses the year's theme. The 2023-2024 theme is: **"How Are You Inspired by America?"** 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 the 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. Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, State and National level. Department (State) winners receive a portion of $55,000 in national awards. National Winners will receive at least $500. **The first-place national award is currently $5,000.** All entries are submitted at the Post level. Contestants are allowed to enter only once each year if otherwise eligible (one Post competition) **Eligibility:** **Patriot’s Pen is open to 6th, 7th and 8th-grade students enrolled by the Oct. 31 deadline in public, private or parochial schools in the U.S., its territories or its possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Home-schooled students also are eligible. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application which has not been denied) and intends to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. (Foreign exchange students or former winners that placed in the National contest are ineligible.) **Contest Rules:** * You must write your own essay. The essay must be the contestant's original work and product of the contestant's own thinking. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. * Essays should be typed in English with no color or graphics. 300 - 400 words in length (+ or - 5 words max). Every word is counted. * **In no way may the contestants identify themselves within their essay** (including, but not limited to, your name, school, city, state, race or national origin.) * Do not put your name on your essay **Judging Criteria:** * **Knowledge of the theme is worth 30 points:** You must show a thorough knowledge of the theme in your work. Demonstrate that 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.
- VFW - Patriot's Pen - South Dakota - District 1 - Post 3061Conducted 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 73,000 students who participated last year in this contest. **What Is the Theme?** VFW's Commander-in-Chief annually chooses the year's theme. The 2023-2024 theme is: **"How Are You Inspired by America?"** 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 the 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. Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, State and National level. Department (State) winners receive a portion of $55,000 in national awards. National Winners will receive at least $500. **The first-place national award is currently $5,000.** Post Awarding: $100.00 All entries are submitted at the Post level. Contestants are allowed to enter only once each year if otherwise eligible (one Post competition) **Eligibility:** **Patriot’s Pen is open to 6th, 7th and 8th-grade students enrolled by the Oct. 31 deadline in public, private or parochial schools in the U.S., its territories or its possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Home-schooled students also are eligible. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application which has not been denied) and intends to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. (Foreign exchange students or former winners that placed in the National contest are ineligible.) **Contest Rules:** * You must write your own essay. The essay must be the contestant's original work and product of the contestant's own thinking. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. * Essays should be typed in English with no color or graphics. 300 - 400 words in length (+ or - 5 words max). Every word is counted. * **In no way may the contestants identify themselves within their essay** (including, but not limited to, your name, school, city, state, race or national origin.) * Do not put your name on your essay **Judging Criteria:** * **Knowledge of the theme is worth 30 points:** You must show a thorough knowledge of the theme in your work. Demonstrate that 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.
- VFW - Patriot's Pen - South Dakota - District 1 - Post 3164Conducted 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 73,000 students who participated last year in this contest. **What Is the Theme?** VFW's Commander-in-Chief annually chooses the year's theme. The 2023-2024 theme is: **"How Are You Inspired by America?"** 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 the 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. Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, State and National level. Department (State) winners receive a portion of $55,000 in national awards. National Winners will receive at least $500. **The first-place national award is currently $5,000.** All entries are submitted at the Post level. Contestants are allowed to enter only once each year if otherwise eligible (one Post competition) **Eligibility:** **Patriot’s Pen is open to 6th, 7th and 8th-grade students enrolled by the Oct. 31 deadline in public, private or parochial schools in the U.S., its territories or its possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Home-schooled students also are eligible. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application which has not been denied) and intends to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. (Foreign exchange students or former winners that placed in the National contest are ineligible.) **Contest Rules:** * You must write your own essay. The essay must be the contestant's original work and product of the contestant's own thinking. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. * Essays should be typed in English with no color or graphics. 300 - 400 words in length (+ or - 5 words max). Every word is counted. * **In no way may the contestants identify themselves within their essay** (including, but not limited to, your name, school, city, state, race or national origin.) * Do not put your name on your essay **Judging Criteria:** * **Knowledge of the theme is worth 30 points:** You must show a thorough knowledge of the theme in your work. Demonstrate that 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.
- VFW - Patriot's Pen - South Dakota - District 1 - Post 4726Conducted 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 73,000 students who participated last year in this contest. **What Is the Theme?** VFW's Commander-in-Chief annually chooses the year's theme. The 2023-2024 theme is: **"How Are You Inspired by America?"** 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 the 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. Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, State and National level. Department (State) winners receive a portion of $55,000 in national awards. National Winners will receive at least $500. **The first-place national award is currently $5,000.** All entries are submitted at the Post level. Contestants are allowed to enter only once each year if otherwise eligible (one Post competition) **Eligibility:** **Patriot’s Pen is open to 6th, 7th and 8th-grade students enrolled by the Oct. 31 deadline in public, private or parochial schools in the U.S., its territories or its possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Home-schooled students also are eligible. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application which has not been denied) and intends to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. (Foreign exchange students or former winners that placed in the National contest are ineligible.) **Contest Rules:** * You must write your own essay. The essay must be the contestant's original work and product of the contestant's own thinking. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. * Essays should be typed in English with no color or graphics. 300 - 400 words in length (+ or - 5 words max). Every word is counted. * **In no way may the contestants identify themselves within their essay** (including, but not limited to, your name, school, city, state, race or national origin.) * Do not put your name on your essay **Judging Criteria:** * **Knowledge of the theme is worth 30 points:** You must show a thorough knowledge of the theme in your work. Demonstrate that 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.
- VFW - Patriot's Pen - South Dakota - District 1 - Post 6149Conducted 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 73,000 students who participated last year in this contest. **What Is the Theme?** VFW's Commander-in-Chief annually chooses the year's theme. The 2023-2024 theme is: **"How Are You Inspired by America?"** 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 the 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. Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, State and National level. Department (State) winners receive a portion of $55,000 in national awards. National Winners will receive at least $500. **The first-place national award is currently $5,000.** All entries are submitted at the Post level. Contestants are allowed to enter only once each year if otherwise eligible (one Post competition) **Eligibility:** **Patriot’s Pen is open to 6th, 7th and 8th-grade students enrolled by the Oct. 31 deadline in public, private or parochial schools in the U.S., its territories or its possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Home-schooled students also are eligible. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application which has not been denied) and intends to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. (Foreign exchange students or former winners that placed in the National contest are ineligible.) **Contest Rules:** * You must write your own essay. The essay must be the contestant's original work and product of the contestant's own thinking. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. * Essays should be typed in English with no color or graphics. 300 - 400 words in length (+ or - 5 words max). Every word is counted. * **In no way may the contestants identify themselves within their essay** (including, but not limited to, your name, school, city, state, race or national origin.) * Do not put your name on your essay **Judging Criteria:** * **Knowledge of the theme is worth 30 points:** You must show a thorough knowledge of the theme in your work. Demonstrate that 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.
- VFW - Patriot's Pen - South Dakota - District 1 - Post 628Conducted 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 73,000 students who participated last year in this contest. **What Is the Theme?** VFW's Commander-in-Chief annually chooses the year's theme. The 2023-2024 theme is: **"How Are You Inspired by America?"** 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 the 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. Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, State and National level. Department (State) winners receive a portion of $55,000 in national awards. National Winners will receive at least $500. **The first-place national award is currently $5,000.** All entries are submitted at the Post level. Contestants are allowed to enter only once each year if otherwise eligible (one Post competition) **Eligibility:** **Patriot’s Pen is open to 6th, 7th and 8th-grade students enrolled by the Oct. 31 deadline in public, private or parochial schools in the U.S., its territories or its possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Home-schooled students also are eligible. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application which has not been denied) and intends to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. (Foreign exchange students or former winners that placed in the National contest are ineligible.) **Contest Rules:** * You must write your own essay. The essay must be the contestant's original work and product of the contestant's own thinking. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. * Essays should be typed in English with no color or graphics. 300 - 400 words in length (+ or - 5 words max). Every word is counted. * **In no way may the contestants identify themselves within their essay** (including, but not limited to, your name, school, city, state, race or national origin.) * Do not put your name on your essay **Judging Criteria:** * **Knowledge of the theme is worth 30 points:** You must show a thorough knowledge of the theme in your work. Demonstrate that 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.
- VFW - Patriot's Pen - South Dakota - District 1 - Post 791Conducted 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 73,000 students who participated last year in this contest. **What Is the Theme?** VFW's Commander-in-Chief annually chooses the year's theme. The 2023-2024 theme is: **"How Are You Inspired by America?"** 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 the 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. Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, State and National level. Department (State) winners receive a portion of $55,000 in national awards. National Winners will receive at least $500. **The first-place national award is currently $5,000.** All entries are submitted at the Post level. Contestants are allowed to enter only once each year if otherwise eligible (one Post competition) **Eligibility:** **Patriot’s Pen is open to 6th, 7th and 8th-grade students enrolled by the Oct. 31 deadline in public, private or parochial schools in the U.S., its territories or its possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Home-schooled students also are eligible. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application which has not been denied) and intends to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. (Foreign exchange students or former winners that placed in the National contest are ineligible.) **Contest Rules:** * You must write your own essay. The essay must be the contestant's original work and product of the contestant's own thinking. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. * Essays should be typed in English with no color or graphics. 300 - 400 words in length (+ or - 5 words max). Every word is counted. * **In no way may the contestants identify themselves within their essay** (including, but not limited to, your name, school, city, state, race or national origin.) * Do not put your name on your essay **Judging Criteria:** * **Knowledge of the theme is worth 30 points:** You must show a thorough knowledge of the theme in your work. Demonstrate that 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.
- VFW - Patriot's Pen - South Dakota - District 4 - Post 2118Conducted 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 73,000 students who participated last year in this contest. **What Is the Theme?** VFW's Commander-in-Chief annually chooses the year's theme. The 2023-2024 theme is: **"How Are You Inspired by America?"** 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 the 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. Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, State and National level. Department (State) winners receive a portion of $55,000 in national awards. National Winners will receive at least $500. **The first-place national award is currently $5,000.** All entries are submitted at the Post level. Contestants are allowed to enter only once each year if otherwise eligible (one Post competition) **Eligibility:** **Patriot’s Pen is open to 6th, 7th and 8th-grade students enrolled by the Oct. 31 deadline in public, private or parochial schools in the U.S., its territories or its possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Home-schooled students also are eligible. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application which has not been denied) and intends to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. (Foreign exchange students or former winners that placed in the National contest are ineligible.) **Contest Rules:** * You must write your own essay. The essay must be the contestant's original work and product of the contestant's own thinking. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. * Essays should be typed in English with no color or graphics. 300 - 400 words in length (+ or - 5 words max). Every word is counted. * **In no way may the contestants identify themselves within their essay** (including, but not limited to, your name, school, city, state, race or national origin.) * Do not put your name on your essay **Judging Criteria:** * **Knowledge of the theme is worth 30 points:** You must show a thorough knowledge of the theme in your work. Demonstrate that 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.
- VFW - Patriot's Pen - South Dakota - District 4 - Post 2638Conducted 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 73,000 students who participated last year in this contest. **What Is the Theme?** VFW's Commander-in-Chief annually chooses the year's theme. The 2023-2024 theme is: **"How Are You Inspired by America?"** 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 the 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. Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, State and National level. Department (State) winners receive a portion of $55,000 in national awards. National Winners will receive at least $500. **The first-place national award is currently $5,000.** All entries are submitted at the Post level. Contestants are allowed to enter only once each year if otherwise eligible (one Post competition) **Eligibility:** **Patriot’s Pen is open to 6th, 7th and 8th-grade students enrolled by the Oct. 31 deadline in public, private or parochial schools in the U.S., its territories or its possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Home-schooled students also are eligible. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application which has not been denied) and intends to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. (Foreign exchange students or former winners that placed in the National contest are ineligible.) **Contest Rules:** * You must write your own essay. The essay must be the contestant's original work and product of the contestant's own thinking. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. * Essays should be typed in English with no color or graphics. 300 - 400 words in length (+ or - 5 words max). Every word is counted. * **In no way may the contestants identify themselves within their essay** (including, but not limited to, your name, school, city, state, race or national origin.) * Do not put your name on your essay **Judging Criteria:** * **Knowledge of the theme is worth 30 points:** You must show a thorough knowledge of the theme in your work. Demonstrate that 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.
- VFW - Patriot's Pen - South Dakota - District 4 - Post 3342Conducted 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 73,000 students who participated last year in this contest. **What Is the Theme?** VFW's Commander-in-Chief annually chooses the year's theme. The 2023-2024 theme is: **"How Are You Inspired by America?"** 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 the 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. Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, State and National level. Department (State) winners receive a portion of $55,000 in national awards. National Winners will receive at least $500. **The first-place national award is currently $5,000.** All entries are submitted at the Post level. Contestants are allowed to enter only once each year if otherwise eligible (one Post competition) **Eligibility:** **Patriot’s Pen is open to 6th, 7th and 8th-grade students enrolled by the Oct. 31 deadline in public, private or parochial schools in the U.S., its territories or its possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Home-schooled students also are eligible. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application which has not been denied) and intends to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. (Foreign exchange students or former winners that placed in the National contest are ineligible.) **Contest Rules:** * You must write your own essay. The essay must be the contestant's original work and product of the contestant's own thinking. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. * Essays should be typed in English with no color or graphics. 300 - 400 words in length (+ or - 5 words max). Every word is counted. * **In no way may the contestants identify themselves within their essay** (including, but not limited to, your name, school, city, state, race or national origin.) * Do not put your name on your essay **Judging Criteria:** * **Knowledge of the theme is worth 30 points:** You must show a thorough knowledge of the theme in your work. Demonstrate that 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.
- VFW - Patriot's Pen - South Dakota - District 4 - Post 3351Conducted 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 73,000 students who participated last year in this contest. **What Is the Theme?** VFW's Commander-in-Chief annually chooses the year's theme. The 2023-2024 theme is: **"How Are You Inspired by America?"** 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 the 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. Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, State and National level. Department (State) winners receive a portion of $55,000 in national awards. National Winners will receive at least $500. **The first-place national award is currently $5,000.** All entries are submitted at the Post level. Contestants are allowed to enter only once each year if otherwise eligible (one Post competition) **Eligibility:** **Patriot’s Pen is open to 6th, 7th and 8th-grade students enrolled by the Oct. 31 deadline in public, private or parochial schools in the U.S., its territories or its possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Home-schooled students also are eligible. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application which has not been denied) and intends to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. (Foreign exchange students or former winners that placed in the National contest are ineligible.) **Contest Rules:** * You must write your own essay. The essay must be the contestant's original work and product of the contestant's own thinking. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tool is not allowed. * Essays should be typed in English with no color or graphics. 300 - 400 words in length (+ or - 5 words max). Every word is counted. * **In no way may the contestants identify themselves within their essay** (including, but not limited to, your name, school, city, state, race or national origin.) * Do not put your name on your essay **Judging Criteria:** * **Knowledge of the theme is worth 30 points:** You must show a thorough knowledge of the theme in your work. Demonstrate that 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.
- VFW - Patriot's Pen - South Dakota - District 4 - Post 3486Conducted 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 73,000 students who participated last year in this contest. **What Is the Theme?** VFW's Commander-in-Chief annually chooses the year's theme. The 2023-2024 theme is: **"How Are You Inspired by America?"** 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 the 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. Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, State and National level. Department (State) winners receive a portion of $55,000 in national awards. National Winners will receive at least $500. **The first-place national award is currently $5,000.** All entries are submitted at the Post level. Contestants are allowed to enter only once each year if otherwise eligible (one Post competition) **Eligibility:** **Patriot’s Pen is open to 6th, 7th and 8th-grade students enrolled by the Oct. 31 deadline in public, private or parochial schools in the U.S., its territories or its possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Home-schooled students also are eligible. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application which has not been denied) and intends to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. (Foreign exchange students or former winners that placed in the National contest are ineligible.) **Contest Rules:** * You must write your own essay. The essay must be the contestant's original work and product of the contestant's own thinking. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. * Essays should be typed in English with no color or graphics. 300 - 400 words in length (+ or - 5 words max). Every word is counted. * **In no way may the contestants identify themselves within their essay** (including, but not limited to, your name, school, city, state, race or national origin.) * Do not put your name on your essay **Judging Criteria:** * **Knowledge of the theme is worth 30 points:** You must show a thorough knowledge of the theme in your work. Demonstrate that 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.
- VFW - Patriot's Pen - South Dakota - District 4 - Post 3507Conducted 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 73,000 students who participated last year in this contest. **What Is the Theme?** VFW's Commander-in-Chief annually chooses the year's theme. The 2023-2024 theme is: **"How Are You Inspired by America?"** 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 the 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. Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, State and National level. Department (State) winners receive a portion of $55,000 in national awards. National Winners will receive at least $500. **The first-place national award is currently $5,000.** All entries are submitted at the Post level. Contestants are allowed to enter only once each year if otherwise eligible (one Post competition) **Eligibility:** **Patriot’s Pen is open to 6th, 7th and 8th-grade students enrolled by the Oct. 31 deadline in public, private or parochial schools in the U.S., its territories or its possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Home-schooled students also are eligible. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application which has not been denied) and intends to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. (Foreign exchange students or former winners that placed in the National contest are ineligible.) **Contest Rules:** * You must write your own essay. The essay must be the contestant's original work and product of the contestant's own thinking. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. * Essays should be typed in English with no color or graphics. 300 - 400 words in length (+ or - 5 words max). Every word is counted. * **In no way may the contestants identify themselves within their essay** (including, but not limited to, your name, school, city, state, race or national origin.) * Do not put your name on your essay **Judging Criteria:** * **Knowledge of the theme is worth 30 points:** You must show a thorough knowledge of the theme in your work. Demonstrate that 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.
- VFW - Patriot's Pen - South Dakota - District 4 - Post 4690Conducted 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 73,000 students who participated last year in this contest. **What Is the Theme?** VFW's Commander-in-Chief annually chooses the year's theme. The 2023-2024 theme is: **"How Are You Inspired by America?"** 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 the 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. Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, State and National level. Department (State) winners receive a portion of $55,000 in national awards. National Winners will receive at least $500. **The first-place national award is currently $5,000.** All entries are submitted at the Post level. Contestants are allowed to enter only once each year if otherwise eligible (one Post competition) **Eligibility:** **Patriot’s Pen is open to 6th, 7th and 8th-grade students enrolled by the Oct. 31 deadline in public, private or parochial schools in the U.S., its territories or its possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Home-schooled students also are eligible. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application which has not been denied) and intends to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. (Foreign exchange students or former winners that placed in the National contest are ineligible.) **Contest Rules:** * You must write your own essay. The essay must be the contestant's original work and product of the contestant's own thinking. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. * Essays should be typed in English with no color or graphics. 300 - 400 words in length (+ or - 5 words max). Every word is counted. * **In no way may the contestants identify themselves within their essay** (including, but not limited to, your name, school, city, state, race or national origin.) * Do not put your name on your essay **Judging Criteria:** * **Knowledge of the theme is worth 30 points:** You must show a thorough knowledge of the theme in your work. Demonstrate that 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.
- VFW - Patriot's Pen - South Dakota - District 4 - Post 6361Conducted 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 73,000 students who participated last year in this contest. **What Is the Theme?** VFW's Commander-in-Chief annually chooses the year's theme. The 2023-2024 theme is: **"How Are You Inspired by America?"** 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 the 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. Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, State and National level. Department (State) winners receive a portion of $55,000 in national awards. National Winners will receive at least $500. **The first-place national award is currently $5,000.** All entries are submitted at the Post level. Contestants are allowed to enter only once each year if otherwise eligible (one Post competition) **Eligibility:** **Patriot’s Pen is open to 6th, 7th and 8th-grade students enrolled by the Oct. 31 deadline in public, private or parochial schools in the U.S., its territories or its possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Home-schooled students also are eligible. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application which has not been denied) and intends to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. (Foreign exchange students or former winners that placed in the National contest are ineligible.) **Contest Rules:** * You must write your own essay. The essay must be the contestant's original work and product of the contestant's own thinking. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. * Essays should be typed in English with no color or graphics. 300 - 400 words in length (+ or - 5 words max). Every word is counted. * **In no way may the contestants identify themselves within their essay** (including, but not limited to, your name, school, city, state, race or national origin.) * Do not put your name on your essay **Judging Criteria:** * **Knowledge of the theme is worth 30 points:** You must show a thorough knowledge of the theme in your work. Demonstrate that 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.
- VFW - Patriot's Pen - South Dakota - District 4 - Post 750Conducted 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 73,000 students who participated last year in this contest. **What Is the Theme?** VFW's Commander-in-Chief annually chooses the year's theme. The 2023-2024 theme is: **"How Are You Inspired by America?"** 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 the 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. Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, State and National level. Department (State) winners receive a portion of $55,000 in national awards. National Winners will receive at least $500. **The first-place national award is currently $5,000.** All entries are submitted at the Post level. Contestants are allowed to enter only once each year if otherwise eligible (one Post competition) **Eligibility:** **Patriot’s Pen is open to 6th, 7th and 8th-grade students enrolled by the Oct. 31 deadline in public, private or parochial schools in the U.S., its territories or its possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Home-schooled students also are eligible. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application which has not been denied) and intends to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. (Foreign exchange students or former winners that placed in the National contest are ineligible.) **Contest Rules:** * You must write your own essay. The essay must be the contestant's original work and product of the contestant's own thinking. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. * Essays should be typed in English with no color or graphics. 300 - 400 words in length (+ or - 5 words max). Every word is counted. * **In no way may the contestants identify themselves within their essay** (including, but not limited to, your name, school, city, state, race or national origin.) * Do not put your name on your essay **Judging Criteria:** * **Knowledge of the theme is worth 30 points:** You must show a thorough knowledge of the theme in your work. Demonstrate that 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.
- VFW - Patriot's Pen - South Dakota - District 6 - Post 17Conducted 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 73,000 students who participated last year in this contest. **What Is the Theme?** VFW's Commander-in-Chief annually chooses the year's theme. The 2023-2024 theme is: **"How Are You Inspired by America?"** 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 the 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. Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, State and National level. Department (State) winners receive a portion of $55,000 in national awards. National Winners will receive at least $500. **The first-place national award is currently $5,000.** All entries are submitted at the Post level. Contestants are allowed to enter only once each year if otherwise eligible (one Post competition) **Eligibility:** **Patriot’s Pen is open to 6th, 7th and 8th-grade students enrolled by the Oct. 31 deadline in public, private or parochial schools in the U.S., its territories or its possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Home-schooled students also are eligible. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application which has not been denied) and intends to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. (Foreign exchange students or former winners that placed in the National contest are ineligible.) **Contest Rules:** * You must write your own essay. The essay must be the contestant's original work and product of the contestant's own thinking. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. * Essays should be typed in English with no color or graphics. 300 - 400 words in length (+ or - 5 words max). Every word is counted. * **In no way may the contestants identify themselves within their essay** (including, but not limited to, your name, school, city, state, race or national origin.) * Do not put your name on your essay **Judging Criteria:** * **Knowledge of the theme is worth 30 points:** You must show a thorough knowledge of the theme in your work. Demonstrate that 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.
- VFW - Patriot's Pen - South Dakota - District 6 - Post 1776Conducted 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 73,000 students who participated last year in this contest. **What Is the Theme?** VFW's Commander-in-Chief annually chooses the year's theme. The 2023-2024 theme is: **"How Are You Inspired by America?"** 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 the 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. Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, State and National level. Department (State) winners receive a portion of $55,000 in national awards. National Winners will receive at least $500. **The first-place national award is currently $5,000.** All entries are submitted at the Post level. Contestants are allowed to enter only once each year if otherwise eligible (one Post competition) **Eligibility:** **Patriot’s Pen is open to 6th, 7th and 8th-grade students enrolled by the Oct. 31 deadline in public, private or parochial schools in the U.S., its territories or its possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Home-schooled students also are eligible. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application which has not been denied) and intends to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. (Foreign exchange students or former winners that placed in the National contest are ineligible.) **Contest Rules:** * You must write your own essay. The essay must be the contestant's original work and product of the contestant's own thinking. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. * Essays should be typed in English with no color or graphics. 300 - 400 words in length (+ or - 5 words max). Every word is counted. * **In no way may the contestants identify themselves within their essay** (including, but not limited to, your name, school, city, state, race or national origin.) * Do not put your name on your essay **Judging Criteria:** * **Knowledge of the theme is worth 30 points:** You must show a thorough knowledge of the theme in your work. Demonstrate that 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.
- VFW - Patriot's Pen - South Dakota - District 6 - Post 2038Conducted 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 73,000 students who participated last year in this contest. **What Is the Theme?** VFW's Commander-in-Chief annually chooses the year's theme. The 2023-2024 theme is: **"How Are You Inspired by America?"** 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 the 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. Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, State and National level. Department (State) winners receive a portion of $55,000 in national awards. National Winners will receive at least $500. **The first-place national award is currently $5,000.** All entries are submitted at the Post level. Contestants are allowed to enter only once each year if otherwise eligible (one Post competition) **Eligibility:** **Patriot’s Pen is open to 6th, 7th and 8th-grade students enrolled by the Oct. 31 deadline in public, private or parochial schools in the U.S., its territories or its possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Home-schooled students also are eligible. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application which has not been denied) and intends to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. (Foreign exchange students or former winners that placed in the National contest are ineligible.) **Contest Rules:** * You must write your own essay. The essay must be the contestant's original work and product of the contestant's own thinking. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. * Essays should be typed in English with no color or graphics. 300 - 400 words in length (+ or - 5 words max). Every word is counted. * **In no way may the contestants identify themselves within their essay** (including, but not limited to, your name, school, city, state, race or national origin.) * Do not put your name on your essay **Judging Criteria:** * **Knowledge of the theme is worth 30 points:** You must show a thorough knowledge of the theme in your work. Demonstrate that 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.
- VFW - Patriot's Pen - South Dakota - District 6 - Post 2741Conducted 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 73,000 students who participated last year in this contest. **What Is the Theme?** VFW's Commander-in-Chief annually chooses the year's theme. The 2023-2024 theme is: **"How Are You Inspired by America?"** 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 the 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. Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, State and National level. Department (State) winners receive a portion of $55,000 in national awards. National Winners will receive at least $500. **The first-place national award is currently $5,000.** All entries are submitted at the Post level. Contestants are allowed to enter only once each year if otherwise eligible (one Post competition) **Eligibility:** **Patriot’s Pen is open to 6th, 7th and 8th-grade students enrolled by the Oct. 31 deadline in public, private or parochial schools in the U.S., its territories or its possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Home-schooled students also are eligible. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application which has not been denied) and intends to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. (Foreign exchange students or former winners that placed in the National contest are ineligible.) **Contest Rules:** * You must write your own essay. The essay must be the contestant's original work and product of the contestant's own thinking. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. * Essays should be typed in English with no color or graphics. 300 - 400 words in length (+ or - 5 words max). Every word is counted. * **In no way may the contestants identify themselves within their essay** (including, but not limited to, your name, school, city, state, race or national origin.) * Do not put your name on your essay **Judging Criteria:** * **Knowledge of the theme is worth 30 points:** You must show a thorough knowledge of the theme in your work. Demonstrate that 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.
- VFW - Patriot's Pen - South Dakota - District 6 - Post 2755Conducted 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 73,000 students who participated last year in this contest. **What Is the Theme?** VFW's Commander-in-Chief annually chooses the year's theme. The 2023-2024 theme is: **"How Are You Inspired by America?"** 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 the 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. Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, State and National level. Department (State) winners receive a portion of $55,000 in national awards. National Winners will receive at least $500. **The first-place national award is currently $5,000.** All entries are submitted at the Post level. Contestants are allowed to enter only once each year if otherwise eligible (one Post competition) **Eligibility:** **Patriot’s Pen is open to 6th, 7th and 8th-grade students enrolled by the Oct. 31 deadline in public, private or parochial schools in the U.S., its territories or its possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Home-schooled students also are eligible. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application which has not been denied) and intends to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. (Foreign exchange students or former winners that placed in the National contest are ineligible.) **Contest Rules:** * You must write your own essay. The essay must be the contestant's original work and product of the contestant's own thinking. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. * Essays should be typed in English with no color or graphics. 300 - 400 words in length (+ or - 5 words max). Every word is counted. * **In no way may the contestants identify themselves within their essay** (including, but not limited to, your name, school, city, state, race or national origin.) * Do not put your name on your essay **Judging Criteria:** * **Knowledge of the theme is worth 30 points:** You must show a thorough knowledge of the theme in your work. Demonstrate that 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.
- VFW - Patriot's Pen - South Dakota - District 6 - Post 3214Conducted 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 73,000 students who participated last year in this contest. **What Is the Theme?** VFW's Commander-in-Chief annually chooses the year's theme. The 2023-2024 theme is: **"How Are You Inspired by America?"** 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 the 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. Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, State and National level. Department (State) winners receive a portion of $55,000 in national awards. National Winners will receive at least $500. **The first-place national award is currently $5,000.** All entries are submitted at the Post level. Contestants are allowed to enter only once each year if otherwise eligible (one Post competition) **Eligibility:** **Patriot’s Pen is open to 6th, 7th and 8th-grade students enrolled by the Oct. 31 deadline in public, private or parochial schools in the U.S., its territories or its possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Home-schooled students also are eligible. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application which has not been denied) and intends to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. (Foreign exchange students or former winners that placed in the National contest are ineligible.) **Contest Rules:** * You must write your own essay. The essay must be the contestant's original work and product of the contestant's own thinking. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. * Essays should be typed in English with no color or graphics. 300 - 400 words in length (+ or - 5 words max). Every word is counted. * **In no way may the contestants identify themselves within their essay** (including, but not limited to, your name, school, city, state, race or national origin.) * Do not put your name on your essay **Judging Criteria:** * **Knowledge of the theme is worth 30 points:** You must show a thorough knowledge of the theme in your work. Demonstrate that 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.
- VFW - Patriot's Pen - South Dakota - District 6 - Post 5126Conducted 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 73,000 students who participated last year in this contest. **What Is the Theme?** VFW's Commander-in-Chief annually chooses the year's theme. The 2023-2024 theme is: **"How Are You Inspired by America?"** 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 the 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. Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, State and National level. Department (State) winners receive a portion of $55,000 in national awards. National Winners will receive at least $500. **The first-place national award is currently $5,000.** All entries are submitted at the Post level. Contestants are allowed to enter only once each year if otherwise eligible (one Post competition) **Eligibility:** **Patriot’s Pen is open to 6th, 7th and 8th-grade students enrolled by the Oct. 31 deadline in public, private or parochial schools in the U.S., its territories or its possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Home-schooled students also are eligible. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application which has not been denied) and intends to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. (Foreign exchange students or former winners that placed in the National contest are ineligible.) **Contest Rules:** * You must write your own essay. The essay must be the contestant's original work and product of the contestant's own thinking. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. * Essays should be typed in English with no color or graphics. 300 - 400 words in length (+ or - 5 words max). Every word is counted. * **In no way may the contestants identify themselves within their essay** (including, but not limited to, your name, school, city, state, race or national origin.) * Do not put your name on your essay **Judging Criteria:** * **Knowledge of the theme is worth 30 points:** You must show a thorough knowledge of the theme in your work. Demonstrate that 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.
- VFW - Patriot's Pen - South Dakota - District 6 - Post 5548Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW’s) premier scholarship program. Each year, nearly 27,000 high school students compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is **"What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?"** Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, state and national level. Department (State) winners receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington DC, to tour the city, be honored by the VFW and its Auxiliary and receive their portion of $171,000 in national awards, the top award scholarship being $35,000. All entries are submitted at the Post level. **The Voice of Democracy is open to students in grades 9-12 by the Oct. 31 deadline** who are enrolled in a public private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application for which has not been denied) and intend to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. Foreign exchange students, students age 20 or over, previous Voice of Democracy first place state winners, GED or Adult Education Students are ineligible. **Essay & Video Instructions** * Record your original 3-5 minute (+ or – 5 seconds max.) audio essay. * You will submit the recording and typed essay via an upload to your Scholar's App application. * You must be the sole author of your essay. The recording must be in your own voice and in English. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. Hearing/speech impaired students should email the Voice of Democracy National Office at youthscholarships@vfw.org for special instructions. **Note**: * No music, singing, poetry or sound effects are allowed. * The body of the essay must not identify you in any way, (including, but not limited to your name, school, city, state, race, or national origin). **Judging Criteria** * **Originality is worth 30 points**: Treatment of the theme should show imagination and human interest. * **Content is worth 35 points**: Clearly express your ideas in an organized manner. Fully develop your theme and use transitions to move smoothly from one idea to another. * **Delivery is worth 35 points**: Speak in a clear and credible manner.
- VFW - Patriot's Pen - South Dakota - District 6 - Post 6481Conducted 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 73,000 students who participated last year in this contest. **What Is the Theme?** VFW's Commander-in-Chief annually chooses the year's theme. The 2023-2024 theme is: **"How Are You Inspired by America?"** 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 the 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. Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, State and National level. Department (State) winners receive a portion of $55,000 in national awards. National Winners will receive at least $500. **The first-place national award is currently $5,000.** All entries are submitted at the Post level. Contestants are allowed to enter only once each year if otherwise eligible (one Post competition) **Eligibility:** **Patriot’s Pen is open to 6th, 7th and 8th-grade students enrolled by the Oct. 31 deadline in public, private or parochial schools in the U.S., its territories or its possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Home-schooled students also are eligible. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application which has not been denied) and intends to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. (Foreign exchange students or former winners that placed in the National contest are ineligible.) **Contest Rules:** * You must write your own essay. The essay must be the contestant's original work and product of the contestant's own thinking. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. * Essays should be typed in English with no color or graphics. 300 - 400 words in length (+ or - 5 words max). Every word is counted. * **In no way may the contestants identify themselves within their essay** (including, but not limited to, your name, school, city, state, race or national origin.) * Do not put your name on your essay **Judging Criteria:** * **Knowledge of the theme is worth 30 points:** You must show a thorough knowledge of the theme in your work. Demonstrate that 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.
- VFW - Patriot's Pen - South Dakota - District 6 - Post 8530Conducted 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 73,000 students who participated last year in this contest. **What Is the Theme?** VFW's Commander-in-Chief annually chooses the year's theme. The 2023-2024 theme is: **"How Are You Inspired by America?"** 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 the 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. Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, State and National level. Department (State) winners receive a portion of $55,000 in national awards. National Winners will receive at least $500. **The first-place national award is currently $5,000.** All entries are submitted at the Post level. Contestants are allowed to enter only once each year if otherwise eligible (one Post competition) **Eligibility:** **Patriot’s Pen is open to 6th, 7th and 8th-grade students enrolled by the Oct. 31 deadline in public, private or parochial schools in the U.S., its territories or its possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Home-schooled students also are eligible. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application which has not been denied) and intends to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. (Foreign exchange students or former winners that placed in the National contest are ineligible.) **Contest Rules:** * You must write your own essay. The essay must be the contestant's original work and product of the contestant's own thinking. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. * Essays should be typed in English with no color or graphics. 300 - 400 words in length (+ or - 5 words max). Every word is counted. * **In no way may the contestants identify themselves within their essay** (including, but not limited to, your name, school, city, state, race or national origin.) * Do not put your name on your essay **Judging Criteria:** * **Knowledge of the theme is worth 30 points:** You must show a thorough knowledge of the theme in your work. Demonstrate that 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.
- VFW - Patriot's Pen - South Dakota - District 7 - Post 1353Conducted 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 73,000 students who participated last year in this contest. **What Is the Theme?** VFW's Commander-in-Chief annually chooses the year's theme. The 2023-2024 theme is: **"How Are You Inspired by America?"** 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 the 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. Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, State and National level. Department (State) winners receive a portion of $55,000 in national awards. National Winners will receive at least $500. **The first-place national award is currently $5,000.** All entries are submitted at the Post level. Contestants are allowed to enter only once each year if otherwise eligible (one Post competition) **Eligibility:** **Patriot’s Pen is open to 6th, 7th and 8th-grade students enrolled by the Oct. 31 deadline in public, private or parochial schools in the U.S., its territories or its possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Home-schooled students also are eligible. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application which has not been denied) and intends to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. (Foreign exchange students or former winners that placed in the National contest are ineligible.) **Contest Rules:** * You must write your own essay. The essay must be the contestant's original work and product of the contestant's own thinking. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. * Essays should be typed in English with no color or graphics. 300 - 400 words in length (+ or - 5 words max). Every word is counted. * **In no way may the contestants identify themselves within their essay** (including, but not limited to, your name, school, city, state, race or national origin.) * Do not put your name on your essay **Judging Criteria:** * **Knowledge of the theme is worth 30 points:** You must show a thorough knowledge of the theme in your work. Demonstrate that 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.
- VFW - Patriot's Pen - South Dakota - District 7 - Post 2750Conducted 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 73,000 students who participated last year in this contest. **What Is the Theme?** VFW's Commander-in-Chief annually chooses the year's theme. The 2023-2024 theme is: **"How Are You Inspired by America?"** 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 the 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. Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, State and National level. Department (State) winners receive a portion of $55,000 in national awards. National Winners will receive at least $500. **The first-place national award is currently $5,000.** All entries are submitted at the Post level. Contestants are allowed to enter only once each year if otherwise eligible (one Post competition) **Eligibility:** **Patriot’s Pen is open to 6th, 7th and 8th-grade students enrolled by the Oct. 31 deadline in public, private or parochial schools in the U.S., its territories or its possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Home-schooled students also are eligible. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application which has not been denied) and intends to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. (Foreign exchange students or former winners that placed in the National contest are ineligible.) **Contest Rules:** * You must write your own essay. The essay must be the contestant's original work and product of the contestant's own thinking. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. * Essays should be typed in English with no color or graphics. 300 - 400 words in length (+ or - 5 words max). Every word is counted. * **In no way may the contestants identify themselves within their essay** (including, but not limited to, your name, school, city, state, race or national origin.) * Do not put your name on your essay **Judging Criteria:** * **Knowledge of the theme is worth 30 points:** You must show a thorough knowledge of the theme in your work. Demonstrate that 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.
- VFW - Patriot's Pen - South Dakota - District 7 - Post 2966Conducted 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 73,000 students who participated last year in this contest. **What Is the Theme?** VFW's Commander-in-Chief annually chooses the year's theme. The 2023-2024 theme is: **"How Are You Inspired by America?"** 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 the 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. Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, State and National level. Department (State) winners receive a portion of $55,000 in national awards. National Winners will receive at least $500. **The first-place national award is currently $5,000.** All entries are submitted at the Post level. Contestants are allowed to enter only once each year if otherwise eligible (one Post competition) **Eligibility:** **Patriot’s Pen is open to 6th, 7th and 8th-grade students enrolled by the Oct. 31 deadline in public, private or parochial schools in the U.S., its territories or its possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Home-schooled students also are eligible. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application which has not been denied) and intends to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. (Foreign exchange students or former winners that placed in the National contest are ineligible.) **Contest Rules:** * You must write your own essay. The essay must be the contestant's original work and product of the contestant's own thinking. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. * Essays should be typed in English with no color or graphics. 300 - 400 words in length (+ or - 5 words max). Every word is counted. * **In no way may the contestants identify themselves within their essay** (including, but not limited to, your name, school, city, state, race or national origin.) * Do not put your name on your essay **Judging Criteria:** * **Knowledge of the theme is worth 30 points:** You must show a thorough knowledge of the theme in your work. Demonstrate that 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.
- VFW - Patriot's Pen - South Dakota - District 7 - Post 3239Conducted 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 73,000 students who participated last year in this contest. **What Is the Theme?** VFW's Commander-in-Chief annually chooses the year's theme. The 2023-2024 theme is: **"How Are You Inspired by America?"** 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 the 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. Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, State and National level. Department (State) winners receive a portion of $55,000 in national awards. National Winners will receive at least $500. **The first-place national award is currently $5,000.** All entries are submitted at the Post level. Contestants are allowed to enter only once each year if otherwise eligible (one Post competition) **Eligibility:** **Patriot’s Pen is open to 6th, 7th and 8th-grade students enrolled by the Oct. 31 deadline in public, private or parochial schools in the U.S., its territories or its possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Home-schooled students also are eligible. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application which has not been denied) and intends to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. (Foreign exchange students or former winners that placed in the National contest are ineligible.) **Contest Rules:** * You must write your own essay. The essay must be the contestant's original work and product of the contestant's own thinking. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. * Essays should be typed in English with no color or graphics. 300 - 400 words in length (+ or - 5 words max). Every word is counted. * **In no way may the contestants identify themselves within their essay** (including, but not limited to, your name, school, city, state, race or national origin.) * Do not put your name on your essay **Judging Criteria:** * **Knowledge of the theme is worth 30 points:** You must show a thorough knowledge of the theme in your work. Demonstrate that 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.
- VFW - Patriot's Pen - South Dakota - District 7 - Post 3298Conducted 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 73,000 students who participated last year in this contest. **What Is the Theme?** VFW's Commander-in-Chief annually chooses the year's theme. The 2023-2024 theme is: **"How Are You Inspired by America?"** 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 the 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. Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, State and National level. Department (State) winners receive a portion of $55,000 in national awards. National Winners will receive at least $500. **The first-place national award is currently $5,000.** Post Awarding: $50.00 All entries are submitted at the Post level. Contestants are allowed to enter only once each year if otherwise eligible (one Post competition) **Eligibility:** **Patriot’s Pen is open to 6th, 7th and 8th-grade students enrolled by the Oct. 31 deadline in public, private or parochial schools in the U.S., its territories or its possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Home-schooled students also are eligible. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application which has not been denied) and intends to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. (Foreign exchange students or former winners that placed in the National contest are ineligible.) **Contest Rules:** * You must write your own essay. The essay must be the contestant's original work and product of the contestant's own thinking. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tool is not allowed. * Essays should be typed in English with no color or graphics. 300 - 400 words in length (+ or - 5 words max). Every word is counted. * **In no way may the contestants identify themselves within their essay** (including, but not limited to, your name, school, city, state, race or national origin.) * Do not put your name on your essay **Judging Criteria:** * **Knowledge of the theme is worth 30 points:** You must show a thorough knowledge of the theme in your work. Demonstrate that 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.
- VFW - Patriot's Pen - South Dakota - District 7 - Post 4674Conducted 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 73,000 students who participated last year in this contest. **What Is the Theme?** VFW's Commander-in-Chief annually chooses the year's theme. The 2023-2024 theme is: **"How Are You Inspired by America?"** 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 the 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. Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, State and National level. Department (State) winners receive a portion of $55,000 in national awards. National Winners will receive at least $500. **The first-place national award is currently $5,000.** All entries are submitted at the Post level. Contestants are allowed to enter only once each year if otherwise eligible (one Post competition) **Eligibility:** **Patriot’s Pen is open to 6th, 7th and 8th-grade students enrolled by the Oct. 31 deadline in public, private or parochial schools in the U.S., its territories or its possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Home-schooled students also are eligible. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application which has not been denied) and intends to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. (Foreign exchange students or former winners that placed in the National contest are ineligible.) **Contest Rules:** * You must write your own essay. The essay must be the contestant's original work and product of the contestant's own thinking. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. * Essays should be typed in English with no color or graphics. 300 - 400 words in length (+ or - 5 words max). Every word is counted. * **In no way may the contestants identify themselves within their essay** (including, but not limited to, your name, school, city, state, race or national origin.) * Do not put your name on your essay **Judging Criteria:** * **Knowledge of the theme is worth 30 points:** You must show a thorough knowledge of the theme in your work. Demonstrate that 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.
- VFW - Patriot's Pen - South Dakota - District 7 - Post 6436Conducted 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 73,000 students who participated last year in this contest. **What Is the Theme?** VFW's Commander-in-Chief annually chooses the year's theme. The 2023-2024 theme is: **"How Are You Inspired by America?"** 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 the 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. Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, State and National level. Department (State) winners receive a portion of $55,000 in national awards. National Winners will receive at least $500. **The first-place national award is currently $5,000.** All entries are submitted at the Post level. Contestants are allowed to enter only once each year if otherwise eligible (one Post competition) **Eligibility:** **Patriot’s Pen is open to 6th, 7th and 8th-grade students enrolled by the Oct. 31 deadline in public, private or parochial schools in the U.S., its territories or its possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Home-schooled students also are eligible. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application which has not been denied) and intends to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. (Foreign exchange students or former winners that placed in the National contest are ineligible.) **Contest Rules:** * You must write your own essay. The essay must be the contestant's original work and product of the contestant's own thinking. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. * Essays should be typed in English with no color or graphics. 300 - 400 words in length (+ or - 5 words max). Every word is counted. * **In no way may the contestants identify themselves within their essay** (including, but not limited to, your name, school, city, state, race or national origin.) * Do not put your name on your essay **Judging Criteria:** * **Knowledge of the theme is worth 30 points:** You must show a thorough knowledge of the theme in your work. Demonstrate that 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.
- VFW - Patriot's Pen - South Dakota - District 7 - Post 6554Conducted 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 73,000 students who participated last year in this contest. **What Is the Theme?** VFW's Commander-in-Chief annually chooses the year's theme. The 2023-2024 theme is: **"How Are You Inspired by America?"** 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 the 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. Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, State and National level. Department (State) winners receive a portion of $55,000 in national awards. National Winners will receive at least $500. **The first-place national award is currently $5,000.** All entries are submitted at the Post level. Contestants are allowed to enter only once each year if otherwise eligible (one Post competition) **Eligibility:** **Patriot’s Pen is open to 6th, 7th and 8th-grade students enrolled by the Oct. 31 deadline in public, private or parochial schools in the U.S., its territories or its possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Home-schooled students also are eligible. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application which has not been denied) and intends to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. (Foreign exchange students or former winners that placed in the National contest are ineligible.) **Contest Rules:** * You must write your own essay. The essay must be the contestant's original work and product of the contestant's own thinking. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. * Essays should be typed in English with no color or graphics. 300 - 400 words in length (+ or - 5 words max). Every word is counted. * **In no way may the contestants identify themselves within their essay** (including, but not limited to, your name, school, city, state, race or national origin.) * Do not put your name on your essay **Judging Criteria:** * **Knowledge of the theme is worth 30 points:** You must show a thorough knowledge of the theme in your work. Demonstrate that 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.
- VFW - Patriot's Pen - South Dakota - District 7 - Post 6895Conducted 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 73,000 students who participated last year in this contest. **What Is the Theme?** VFW's Commander-in-Chief annually chooses the year's theme. The 2023-2024 theme is: **"How Are You Inspired by America?"** 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 the 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. Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, State and National level. Department (State) winners receive a portion of $55,000 in national awards. National Winners will receive at least $500. **The first-place national award is currently $5,000.** All entries are submitted at the Post level. Contestants are allowed to enter only once each year if otherwise eligible (one Post competition) **Eligibility:** **Patriot’s Pen is open to 6th, 7th and 8th-grade students enrolled by the Oct. 31 deadline in public, private or parochial schools in the U.S., its territories or its possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Home-schooled students also are eligible. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application which has not been denied) and intends to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. (Foreign exchange students or former winners that placed in the National contest are ineligible.) **Contest Rules:** * You must write your own essay. The essay must be the contestant's original work and product of the contestant's own thinking. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. * Essays should be typed in English with no color or graphics. 300 - 400 words in length (+ or - 5 words max). Every word is counted. * **In no way may the contestants identify themselves within their essay** (including, but not limited to, your name, school, city, state, race or national origin.) * Do not put your name on your essay **Judging Criteria:** * **Knowledge of the theme is worth 30 points:** You must show a thorough knowledge of the theme in your work. Demonstrate that 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.
- VFW - Patriot's Pen - South Dakota - District 7 - Post 7319Conducted 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 73,000 students who participated last year in this contest. **What Is the Theme?** VFW's Commander-in-Chief annually chooses the year's theme. The 2023-2024 theme is: **"How Are You Inspired by America?"** 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 the 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. Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, State and National level. Department (State) winners receive a portion of $55,000 in national awards. National Winners will receive at least $500. **The first-place national award is currently $5,000.** All entries are submitted at the Post level. Contestants are allowed to enter only once each year if otherwise eligible (one Post competition) **Eligibility:** **Patriot’s Pen is open to 6th, 7th and 8th-grade students enrolled by the Oct. 31 deadline in public, private or parochial schools in the U.S., its territories or its possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Home-schooled students also are eligible. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application which has not been denied) and intends to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. (Foreign exchange students or former winners that placed in the National contest are ineligible.) **Contest Rules:** * You must write your own essay. The essay must be the contestant's original work and product of the contestant's own thinking. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. * Essays should be typed in English with no color or graphics. 300 - 400 words in length (+ or - 5 words max). Every word is counted. * **In no way may the contestants identify themselves within their essay** (including, but not limited to, your name, school, city, state, race or national origin.) * Do not put your name on your essay **Judging Criteria:** * **Knowledge of the theme is worth 30 points:** You must show a thorough knowledge of the theme in your work. Demonstrate that 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.
- VFW - Patriot's Pen - South Dakota - District 7 - Post 9950Conducted 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 73,000 students who participated last year in this contest. **What Is the Theme?** VFW's Commander-in-Chief annually chooses the year's theme. The 2023-2024 theme is: **"How Are You Inspired by America?"** 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 the 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. Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, State and National level. Department (State) winners receive a portion of $55,000 in national awards. National Winners will receive at least $500. **The first-place national award is currently $5,000.** All entries are submitted at the Post level. Contestants are allowed to enter only once each year if otherwise eligible (one Post competition) **Eligibility:** **Patriot’s Pen is open to 6th, 7th and 8th-grade students enrolled by the Oct. 31 deadline in public, private or parochial schools in the U.S., its territories or its possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Home-schooled students also are eligible. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application which has not been denied) and intends to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. (Foreign exchange students or former winners that placed in the National contest are ineligible.) **Contest Rules:** * You must write your own essay. The essay must be the contestant's original work and product of the contestant's own thinking. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. * Essays should be typed in English with no color or graphics. 300 - 400 words in length (+ or - 5 words max). Every word is counted. * **In no way may the contestants identify themselves within their essay** (including, but not limited to, your name, school, city, state, race or national origin.) * Do not put your name on your essay **Judging Criteria:** * **Knowledge of the theme is worth 30 points:** You must show a thorough knowledge of the theme in your work. Demonstrate that 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.
- VFW - Voice of Democracy - South Dakota - District 10 - Post 1273Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW’s) premier scholarship program. Each year, nearly 27,000 high school students compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is **"What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?"** Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, state and national level. Department (State) winners receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington DC, to tour the city, be honored by the VFW and its Auxiliary and receive their portion of $171,000 in national awards, the top award scholarship being $35,000. All entries are submitted at the Post level. **The Voice of Democracy is open to students in grades 9-12 by the Oct. 31 deadline** who are enrolled in a public private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application for which has not been denied) and intend to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. Foreign exchange students, students age 20 or over, previous Voice of Democracy first place state winners, GED or Adult Education Students are ineligible. **Essay & Video Instructions** * Record your original 3-5 minute (+ or – 5 seconds max.) audio essay. * You will submit the recording and typed essay via an upload to your Scholar's App application. * You must be the sole author of your essay. The recording must be in your own voice and in English. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. Hearing/speech impaired students should email the Voice of Democracy National Office at youthscholarships@vfw.org for special instructions. **Note**: * No music, singing, poetry or sound effects are allowed. * The body of the essay must not identify you in any way, (including, but not limited to your name, school, city, state, race, or national origin). **Judging Criteria** * **Originality is worth 30 points**: Treatment of the theme should show imagination and human interest. * **Content is worth 35 points**: Clearly express your ideas in an organized manner. Fully develop your theme and use transitions to move smoothly from one idea to another. * **Delivery is worth 35 points**: Speak in a clear and credible manner.
- VFW - Voice of Democracy - South Dakota - District 10 - Post 2730Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW’s) premier scholarship program. Each year, nearly 27,000 high school students compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is **"What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?"** Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, state and national level. Department (State) winners receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington DC, to tour the city, be honored by the VFW and its Auxiliary and receive their portion of $171,000 in national awards, the top award scholarship being $35,000. All entries are submitted at the Post level. **The Voice of Democracy is open to students in grades 9-12 by the Oct. 31 deadline** who are enrolled in a public private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application for which has not been denied) and intend to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. Foreign exchange students, students age 20 or over, previous Voice of Democracy first place state winners, GED or Adult Education Students are ineligible. **Essay & Video Instructions** * Record your original 3-5 minute (+ or – 5 seconds max.) audio essay. * You will submit the recording and typed essay via an upload to your Scholar's App application. * You must be the sole author of your essay. The recording must be in your own voice and in English. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. Hearing/speech impaired students should email the Voice of Democracy National Office at youthscholarships@vfw.org for special instructions. **Note**: * No music, singing, poetry or sound effects are allowed. * The body of the essay must not identify you in any way, (including, but not limited to your name, school, city, state, race, or national origin). **Judging Criteria** * **Originality is worth 30 points**: Treatment of the theme should show imagination and human interest. * **Content is worth 35 points**: Clearly express your ideas in an organized manner. Fully develop your theme and use transitions to move smoothly from one idea to another. * **Delivery is worth 35 points**: Speak in a clear and credible manner.
- VFW - Voice of Democracy - South Dakota - District 10 - Post 2969Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW’s) premier scholarship program. Each year, nearly 27,000 high school students compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is **"What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?"** Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, state and national level. Department (State) winners receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington DC, to tour the city, be honored by the VFW and its Auxiliary and receive their portion of $171,000 in national awards, the top award scholarship being $35,000. All entries are submitted at the Post level. **The Voice of Democracy is open to students in grades 9-12 by the Oct. 31 deadline** who are enrolled in a public private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application for which has not been denied) and intend to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. Foreign exchange students, students age 20 or over, previous Voice of Democracy first place state winners, GED or Adult Education Students are ineligible. **Essay & Video Instructions** * Record your original 3-5 minute (+ or – 5 seconds max.) audio essay. * You will submit the recording and typed essay via an upload to your Scholar's App application. * You must be the sole author of your essay. The recording must be in your own voice and in English. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. Hearing/speech impaired students should email the Voice of Democracy National Office at youthscholarships@vfw.org for special instructions. **Note**: * No music, singing, poetry or sound effects are allowed. * The body of the essay must not identify you in any way, (including, but not limited to your name, school, city, state, race, or national origin). **Judging Criteria** * **Originality is worth 30 points**: Treatment of the theme should show imagination and human interest. * **Content is worth 35 points**: Clearly express your ideas in an organized manner. Fully develop your theme and use transitions to move smoothly from one idea to another. * **Delivery is worth 35 points**: Speak in a clear and credible manner.
- VFW - Voice of Democracy - South Dakota - District 10 - Post 3312Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW’s) premier scholarship program. Each year, nearly 27,000 high school students compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is **"What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?"** Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, state and national level. Department (State) winners receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington DC, to tour the city, be honored by the VFW and its Auxiliary and receive their portion of $171,000 in national awards, the top award scholarship being $35,000. All entries are submitted at the Post level. **The Voice of Democracy is open to students in grades 9-12 by the Oct. 31 deadline** who are enrolled in a public private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application for which has not been denied) and intend to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. Foreign exchange students, students age 20 or over, previous Voice of Democracy first place state winners, GED or Adult Education Students are ineligible. **Essay & Video Instructions** * Record your original 3-5 minute (+ or – 5 seconds max.) audio essay. * You will submit the recording and typed essay via an upload to your Scholar's App application. * You must be the sole author of your essay. The recording must be in your own voice and in English. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. Hearing/speech impaired students should email the Voice of Democracy National Office at youthscholarships@vfw.org for special instructions. **Note**: * No music, singing, poetry or sound effects are allowed. * The body of the essay must not identify you in any way, (including, but not limited to your name, school, city, state, race, or national origin). **Judging Criteria** * **Originality is worth 30 points**: Treatment of the theme should show imagination and human interest. * **Content is worth 35 points**: Clearly express your ideas in an organized manner. Fully develop your theme and use transitions to move smoothly from one idea to another. * **Delivery is worth 35 points**: Speak in a clear and credible manner.
- VFW - Voice of Democracy - South Dakota - District 10 - Post 3442Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW’s) premier scholarship program. Each year, nearly 27,000 high school students compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is **"What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?"** Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, state and national level. Department (State) winners receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington DC, to tour the city, be honored by the VFW and its Auxiliary and receive their portion of $171,000 in national awards, the top award scholarship being $35,000. Post Awarding: $150.00 All entries are submitted at the Post level. **The Voice of Democracy is open to students in grades 9-12 by the Oct. 31 deadline** who are enrolled in a public private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application for which has not been denied) and intend to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. Foreign exchange students, students age 20 or over, previous Voice of Democracy first place state winners, GED or Adult Education Students are ineligible. **Essay & Video Instructions** * Record your original 3-5 minute (+ or – 5 seconds max.) audio essay. * You will submit the recording and typed essay via an upload to your Scholar's App application. * You must be the sole author of your essay. The recording must be in your own voice and in English. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. Hearing/speech impaired students should email the Voice of Democracy National Office at youthscholarships@vfw.org for special instructions. **Note**: * No music, singing, poetry or sound effects are allowed. * The body of the essay must not identify you in any way, (including, but not limited to your name, school, city, state, race, or national origin). **Judging Criteria** * **Originality is worth 30 points**: Treatment of the theme should show imagination and human interest. * **Content is worth 35 points**: Clearly express your ideas in an organized manner. Fully develop your theme and use transitions to move smoothly from one idea to another. * **Delivery is worth 35 points**: Speak in a clear and credible manner.
- VFW - Voice of Democracy - South Dakota - District 10 - Post 5751Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW’s) premier scholarship program. Each year, nearly 27,000 high school students compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is **"What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?"** Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, state and national level. Department (State) winners receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington DC, to tour the city, be honored by the VFW and its Auxiliary and receive their portion of $171,000 in national awards, the top award scholarship being $35,000. All entries are submitted at the Post level. **The Voice of Democracy is open to students in grades 9-12 by the Oct. 31 deadline** who are enrolled in a public private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application for which has not been denied) and intend to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. Foreign exchange students, students age 20 or over, previous Voice of Democracy first place state winners, GED or Adult Education Students are ineligible. **Essay & Video Instructions** * Record your original 3-5 minute (+ or – 5 seconds max.) audio essay. * You will submit the recording and typed essay via an upload to your Scholar's App application. * You must be the sole author of your essay. The recording must be in your own voice and in English. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. Hearing/speech impaired students should email the Voice of Democracy National Office at youthscholarships@vfw.org for special instructions. **Note**: * No music, singing, poetry or sound effects are allowed. * The body of the essay must not identify you in any way, (including, but not limited to your name, school, city, state, race, or national origin). **Judging Criteria** * **Originality is worth 30 points**: Treatment of the theme should show imagination and human interest. * **Content is worth 35 points**: Clearly express your ideas in an organized manner. Fully develop your theme and use transitions to move smoothly from one idea to another. * **Delivery is worth 35 points**: Speak in a clear and credible manner.
- VFW - Voice of Democracy - South Dakota - District 10 - Post 5807Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW’s) premier scholarship program. Each year, nearly 27,000 high school students compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is **"What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?"** Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, state and national level. Department (State) winners receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington DC, to tour the city, be honored by the VFW and its Auxiliary and receive their portion of $171,000 in national awards, the top award scholarship being $35,000. All entries are submitted at the Post level. **The Voice of Democracy is open to students in grades 9-12 by the Oct. 31 deadline** who are enrolled in a public private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application for which has not been denied) and intend to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. Foreign exchange students, students age 20 or over, previous Voice of Democracy first place state winners, GED or Adult Education Students are ineligible. **Essay & Video Instructions** * Record your original 3-5 minute (+ or – 5 seconds max.) audio essay. * You will submit the recording and typed essay via an upload to your Scholar's App application. * You must be the sole author of your essay. The recording must be in your own voice and in English. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. Hearing/speech impaired students should email the Voice of Democracy National Office at youthscholarships@vfw.org for special instructions. **Note**: * No music, singing, poetry or sound effects are allowed. * The body of the essay must not identify you in any way, (including, but not limited to your name, school, city, state, race, or national origin). **Judging Criteria** * **Originality is worth 30 points**: Treatment of the theme should show imagination and human interest. * **Content is worth 35 points**: Clearly express your ideas in an organized manner. Fully develop your theme and use transitions to move smoothly from one idea to another. * **Delivery is worth 35 points**: Speak in a clear and credible manner.
- VFW - Voice of Democracy - South Dakota - District 10 - Post 5860Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW’s) premier scholarship program. Each year, nearly 27,000 high school students compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is **"What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?"** Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, state and national level. Department (State) winners receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington DC, to tour the city, be honored by the VFW and its Auxiliary and receive their portion of $171,000 in national awards, the top award scholarship being $35,000. All entries are submitted at the Post level. **The Voice of Democracy is open to students in grades 9-12 by the Oct. 31 deadline** who are enrolled in a public private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application for which has not been denied) and intend to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. Foreign exchange students, students age 20 or over, previous Voice of Democracy first place state winners, GED or Adult Education Students are ineligible. **Essay & Video Instructions** * Record your original 3-5 minute (+ or – 5 seconds max.) audio essay. * You will submit the recording and typed essay via an upload to your Scholar's App application. * You must be the sole author of your essay. The recording must be in your own voice and in English. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. Hearing/speech impaired students should email the Voice of Democracy National Office at youthscholarships@vfw.org for special instructions. **Note**: * No music, singing, poetry or sound effects are allowed. * The body of the essay must not identify you in any way, (including, but not limited to your name, school, city, state, race, or national origin). **Judging Criteria** * **Originality is worth 30 points**: Treatment of the theme should show imagination and human interest. * **Content is worth 35 points**: Clearly express your ideas in an organized manner. Fully develop your theme and use transitions to move smoothly from one idea to another. * **Delivery is worth 35 points**: Speak in a clear and credible manner.
- VFW - Voice of Democracy - South Dakota - District 10 - Post 5969Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW’s) premier scholarship program. Each year, nearly 27,000 high school students compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is **"What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?"** Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, state and national level. Department (State) winners receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington DC, to tour the city, be honored by the VFW and its Auxiliary and receive their portion of $171,000 in national awards, the top award scholarship being $35,000. All entries are submitted at the Post level. **The Voice of Democracy is open to students in grades 9-12 by the Oct. 31 deadline** who are enrolled in a public private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application for which has not been denied) and intend to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. Foreign exchange students, students age 20 or over, previous Voice of Democracy first place state winners, GED or Adult Education Students are ineligible. **Essay & Video Instructions** * Record your original 3-5 minute (+ or – 5 seconds max.) audio essay. * You will submit the recording and typed essay via an upload to your Scholar's App application. * You must be the sole author of your essay. The recording must be in your own voice and in English. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. Hearing/speech impaired students should email the Voice of Democracy National Office at youthscholarships@vfw.org for special instructions. **Note**: * No music, singing, poetry or sound effects are allowed. * The body of the essay must not identify you in any way, (including, but not limited to your name, school, city, state, race, or national origin). **Judging Criteria** * **Originality is worth 30 points**: Treatment of the theme should show imagination and human interest. * **Content is worth 35 points**: Clearly express your ideas in an organized manner. Fully develop your theme and use transitions to move smoothly from one idea to another. * **Delivery is worth 35 points**: Speak in a clear and credible manner.
- VFW - Voice of Democracy - South Dakota - District 10 - Post 9120Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW’s) premier scholarship program. Each year, nearly 27,000 high school students compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is **"What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?"** Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, state and national level. Department (State) winners receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington DC, to tour the city, be honored by the VFW and its Auxiliary and receive their portion of $171,000 in national awards, the top award scholarship being $35,000. All entries are submitted at the Post level. **The Voice of Democracy is open to students in grades 9-12 by the Oct. 31 deadline** who are enrolled in a public private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application for which has not been denied) and intend to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. Foreign exchange students, students age 20 or over, previous Voice of Democracy first place state winners, GED or Adult Education Students are ineligible. **Essay & Video Instructions** * Record your original 3-5 minute (+ or – 5 seconds max.) audio essay. * You will submit the recording and typed essay via an upload to your Scholar's App application. * You must be the sole author of your essay. The recording must be in your own voice and in English. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. Hearing/speech impaired students should email the Voice of Democracy National Office at youthscholarships@vfw.org for special instructions. **Note**: * No music, singing, poetry or sound effects are allowed. * The body of the essay must not identify you in any way, (including, but not limited to your name, school, city, state, race, or national origin). **Judging Criteria** * **Originality is worth 30 points**: Treatment of the theme should show imagination and human interest. * **Content is worth 35 points**: Clearly express your ideas in an organized manner. Fully develop your theme and use transitions to move smoothly from one idea to another. * **Delivery is worth 35 points**: Speak in a clear and credible manner.
- VFW - Voice of Democracy - South Dakota - District 1 - Post 2975Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW’s) premier scholarship program. Each year, nearly 27,000 high school students compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is **"What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?"** Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, state and national level. Department (State) winners receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington DC, to tour the city, be honored by the VFW and its Auxiliary and receive their portion of $171,000 in national awards, the top award scholarship being $35,000. All entries are submitted at the Post level. **The Voice of Democracy is open to students in grades 9-12 by the Oct. 31 deadline** who are enrolled in a public private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application for which has not been denied) and intend to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. Foreign exchange students, students age 20 or over, previous Voice of Democracy first place state winners, GED or Adult Education Students are ineligible. **Essay & Video Instructions** * Record your original 3-5 minute (+ or – 5 seconds max.) audio essay. * You will submit the recording and typed essay via an upload to your Scholar's App application. * You must be the sole author of your essay. The recording must be in your own voice and in English. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. Hearing/speech impaired students should email the Voice of Democracy National Office at youthscholarships@vfw.org for special instructions. **Note**: * No music, singing, poetry or sound effects are allowed. * The body of the essay must not identify you in any way, (including, but not limited to your name, school, city, state, race, or national origin). **Judging Criteria** * **Originality is worth 30 points**: Treatment of the theme should show imagination and human interest. * **Content is worth 35 points**: Clearly express your ideas in an organized manner. Fully develop your theme and use transitions to move smoothly from one idea to another. * **Delivery is worth 35 points**: Speak in a clear and credible manner.
- VFW - Voice of Democracy - South Dakota - District 1 - Post 3061Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW’s) premier scholarship program. Each year, nearly 27,000 high school students compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is **"What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?"** Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, state and national level. Department (State) winners receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington DC, to tour the city, be honored by the VFW and its Auxiliary and receive their portion of $171,000 in national awards, the top award scholarship being $35,000. Post Awarding: $100.00 All entries are submitted at the Post level. **The Voice of Democracy is open to students in grades 9-12 by the Oct. 31 deadline** who are enrolled in a public private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application for which has not been denied) and intend to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. Foreign exchange students, students age 20 or over, previous Voice of Democracy first place state winners, GED or Adult Education Students are ineligible. **Essay & Video Instructions** * Record your original 3-5 minute (+ or – 5 seconds max.) audio essay. * You will submit the recording and typed essay via an upload to your Scholar's App application. * You must be the sole author of your essay. The recording must be in your own voice and in English. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. Hearing/speech impaired students should email the Voice of Democracy National Office at youthscholarships@vfw.org for special instructions. **Note**: * No music, singing, poetry or sound effects are allowed. * The body of the essay must not identify you in any way, (including, but not limited to your name, school, city, state, race, or national origin). **Judging Criteria** * **Originality is worth 30 points**: Treatment of the theme should show imagination and human interest. * **Content is worth 35 points**: Clearly express your ideas in an organized manner. Fully develop your theme and use transitions to move smoothly from one idea to another. * **Delivery is worth 35 points**: Speak in a clear and credible manner.
- VFW - Voice of Democracy - South Dakota - District 1 - Post 3164Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW’s) premier scholarship program. Each year, nearly 27,000 high school students compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is **"What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?"** Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, state and national level. Department (State) winners receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington DC, to tour the city, be honored by the VFW and its Auxiliary and receive their portion of $171,000 in national awards, the top award scholarship being $35,000. All entries are submitted at the Post level. **The Voice of Democracy is open to students in grades 9-12 by the Oct. 31 deadline** who are enrolled in a public private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application for which has not been denied) and intend to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. Foreign exchange students, students age 20 or over, previous Voice of Democracy first place state winners, GED or Adult Education Students are ineligible. **Essay & Video Instructions** * Record your original 3-5 minute (+ or – 5 seconds max.) audio essay. * You will submit the recording and typed essay via an upload to your Scholar's App application. * You must be the sole author of your essay. The recording must be in your own voice and in English. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. Hearing/speech impaired students should email the Voice of Democracy National Office at youthscholarships@vfw.org for special instructions. **Note**: * No music, singing, poetry or sound effects are allowed. * The body of the essay must not identify you in any way, (including, but not limited to your name, school, city, state, race, or national origin). **Judging Criteria** * **Originality is worth 30 points**: Treatment of the theme should show imagination and human interest. * **Content is worth 35 points**: Clearly express your ideas in an organized manner. Fully develop your theme and use transitions to move smoothly from one idea to another. * **Delivery is worth 35 points**: Speak in a clear and credible manner.
- VFW - Voice of Democracy - South Dakota - District 1 - Post 4726Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW’s) premier scholarship program. Each year, nearly 27,000 high school students compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is **"What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?"** Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, state and national level. Department (State) winners receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington DC, to tour the city, be honored by the VFW and its Auxiliary and receive their portion of $171,000 in national awards, the top award scholarship being $35,000. All entries are submitted at the Post level. **The Voice of Democracy is open to students in grades 9-12 by the Oct. 31 deadline** who are enrolled in a public private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application for which has not been denied) and intend to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. Foreign exchange students, students age 20 or over, previous Voice of Democracy first place state winners, GED or Adult Education Students are ineligible. **Essay & Video Instructions** * Record your original 3-5 minute (+ or – 5 seconds max.) audio essay. * You will submit the recording and typed essay via an upload to your Scholar's App application. * You must be the sole author of your essay. The recording must be in your own voice and in English. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. Hearing/speech impaired students should email the Voice of Democracy National Office at youthscholarships@vfw.org for special instructions. **Note**: * No music, singing, poetry or sound effects are allowed. * The body of the essay must not identify you in any way, (including, but not limited to your name, school, city, state, race, or national origin). **Judging Criteria** * **Originality is worth 30 points**: Treatment of the theme should show imagination and human interest. * **Content is worth 35 points**: Clearly express your ideas in an organized manner. Fully develop your theme and use transitions to move smoothly from one idea to another. * **Delivery is worth 35 points**: Speak in a clear and credible manner.
- VFW - Voice of Democracy - South Dakota - District 1 - Post 6149Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW’s) premier scholarship program. Each year, nearly 27,000 high school students compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is **"What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?"** Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, state and national level. Department (State) winners receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington DC, to tour the city, be honored by the VFW and its Auxiliary and receive their portion of $171,000 in national awards, the top award scholarship being $35,000. All entries are submitted at the Post level. **The Voice of Democracy is open to students in grades 9-12 by the Oct. 31 deadline** who are enrolled in a public private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application for which has not been denied) and intend to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. Foreign exchange students, students age 20 or over, previous Voice of Democracy first place state winners, GED or Adult Education Students are ineligible. **Essay & Video Instructions** * Record your original 3-5 minute (+ or – 5 seconds max.) audio essay. * You will submit the recording and typed essay via an upload to your Scholar's App application. * You must be the sole author of your essay. The recording must be in your own voice and in English. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. Hearing/speech impaired students should email the Voice of Democracy National Office at youthscholarships@vfw.org for special instructions. **Note**: * No music, singing, poetry or sound effects are allowed. * The body of the essay must not identify you in any way, (including, but not limited to your name, school, city, state, race, or national origin). **Judging Criteria** * **Originality is worth 30 points**: Treatment of the theme should show imagination and human interest. * **Content is worth 35 points**: Clearly express your ideas in an organized manner. Fully develop your theme and use transitions to move smoothly from one idea to another. * **Delivery is worth 35 points**: Speak in a clear and credible manner.
- VFW - Voice of Democracy - South Dakota - District 1 - Post 628Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW’s) premier scholarship program. Each year, nearly 27,000 high school students compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is **"What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?"** Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, state and national level. Department (State) winners receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington DC, to tour the city, be honored by the VFW and its Auxiliary and receive their portion of $171,000 in national awards, the top award scholarship being $35,000. All entries are submitted at the Post level. **The Voice of Democracy is open to students in grades 9-12 by the Oct. 31 deadline** who are enrolled in a public private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application for which has not been denied) and intend to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. Foreign exchange students, students age 20 or over, previous Voice of Democracy first place state winners, GED or Adult Education Students are ineligible. **Essay & Video Instructions** * Record your original 3-5 minute (+ or – 5 seconds max.) audio essay. * You will submit the recording and typed essay via an upload to your Scholar's App application. * You must be the sole author of your essay. The recording must be in your own voice and in English. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. Hearing/speech impaired students should email the Voice of Democracy National Office at youthscholarships@vfw.org for special instructions. **Note**: * No music, singing, poetry or sound effects are allowed. * The body of the essay must not identify you in any way, (including, but not limited to your name, school, city, state, race, or national origin). **Judging Criteria** * **Originality is worth 30 points**: Treatment of the theme should show imagination and human interest. * **Content is worth 35 points**: Clearly express your ideas in an organized manner. Fully develop your theme and use transitions to move smoothly from one idea to another. * **Delivery is worth 35 points**: Speak in a clear and credible manner.
- VFW - Voice of Democracy - South Dakota - District 1 - Post 791Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW’s) premier scholarship program. Each year, nearly 27,000 high school students compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is **"What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?"** Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, state and national level. Department (State) winners receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington DC, to tour the city, be honored by the VFW and its Auxiliary and receive their portion of $171,000 in national awards, the top award scholarship being $35,000. All entries are submitted at the Post level. **The Voice of Democracy is open to students in grades 9-12 by the Oct. 31 deadline** who are enrolled in a public private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application for which has not been denied) and intend to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. Foreign exchange students, students age 20 or over, previous Voice of Democracy first place state winners, GED or Adult Education Students are ineligible. **Essay & Video Instructions** * Record your original 3-5 minute (+ or – 5 seconds max.) audio essay. * You will submit the recording and typed essay via an upload to your Scholar's App application. * You must be the sole author of your essay. The recording must be in your own voice and in English. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. Hearing/speech impaired students should email the Voice of Democracy National Office at youthscholarships@vfw.org for special instructions. **Note**: * No music, singing, poetry or sound effects are allowed. * The body of the essay must not identify you in any way, (including, but not limited to your name, school, city, state, race, or national origin). **Judging Criteria** * **Originality is worth 30 points**: Treatment of the theme should show imagination and human interest. * **Content is worth 35 points**: Clearly express your ideas in an organized manner. Fully develop your theme and use transitions to move smoothly from one idea to another. * **Delivery is worth 35 points**: Speak in a clear and credible manner.
- VFW - Voice of Democracy - South Dakota - District 4 - Post 2118Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW’s) premier scholarship program. Each year, nearly 27,000 high school students compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is **"What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?"** Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, state and national level. Department (State) winners receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington DC, to tour the city, be honored by the VFW and its Auxiliary and receive their portion of $171,000 in national awards, the top award scholarship being $35,000. All entries are submitted at the Post level. **The Voice of Democracy is open to students in grades 9-12 by the Oct. 31 deadline** who are enrolled in a public private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application for which has not been denied) and intend to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. Foreign exchange students, students age 20 or over, previous Voice of Democracy first place state winners, GED or Adult Education Students are ineligible. **Essay & Video Instructions** * Record your original 3-5 minute (+ or – 5 seconds max.) audio essay. * You will submit the recording and typed essay via an upload to your Scholar's App application. * You must be the sole author of your essay. The recording must be in your own voice and in English. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. Hearing/speech impaired students should email the Voice of Democracy National Office at youthscholarships@vfw.org for special instructions. **Note**: * No music, singing, poetry or sound effects are allowed. * The body of the essay must not identify you in any way, (including, but not limited to your name, school, city, state, race, or national origin). **Judging Criteria** * **Originality is worth 30 points**: Treatment of the theme should show imagination and human interest. * **Content is worth 35 points**: Clearly express your ideas in an organized manner. Fully develop your theme and use transitions to move smoothly from one idea to another. * **Delivery is worth 35 points**: Speak in a clear and credible manner.
- VFW - Voice of Democracy - South Dakota - District 4 - Post 2638Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW’s) premier scholarship program. Each year, nearly 27,000 high school students compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is **"What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?"** Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, state and national level. Department (State) winners receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington DC, to tour the city, be honored by the VFW and its Auxiliary and receive their portion of $171,000 in national awards, the top award scholarship being $35,000. All entries are submitted at the Post level. **The Voice of Democracy is open to students in grades 9-12 by the Oct. 31 deadline** who are enrolled in a public private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application for which has not been denied) and intend to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. Foreign exchange students, students age 20 or over, previous Voice of Democracy first place state winners, GED or Adult Education Students are ineligible. **Essay & Video Instructions** * Record your original 3-5 minute (+ or – 5 seconds max.) audio essay. * You will submit the recording and typed essay via an upload to your Scholar's App application. * You must be the sole author of your essay. The recording must be in your own voice and in English. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. Hearing/speech impaired students should email the Voice of Democracy National Office at youthscholarships@vfw.org for special instructions. **Note**: * No music, singing, poetry or sound effects are allowed. * The body of the essay must not identify you in any way, (including, but not limited to your name, school, city, state, race, or national origin). **Judging Criteria** * **Originality is worth 30 points**: Treatment of the theme should show imagination and human interest. * **Content is worth 35 points**: Clearly express your ideas in an organized manner. Fully develop your theme and use transitions to move smoothly from one idea to another. * **Delivery is worth 35 points**: Speak in a clear and credible manner.
- VFW - Voice of Democracy - South Dakota - District 4 - Post 3342Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW’s) premier scholarship program. Each year, nearly 27,000 high school students compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is **"What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?"** Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, state and national level. Department (State) winners receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington DC, to tour the city, be honored by the VFW and its Auxiliary and receive their portion of $171,000 in national awards, the top award scholarship being $35,000. All entries are submitted at the Post level. **The Voice of Democracy is open to students in grades 9-12 by the Oct. 31 deadline** who are enrolled in a public private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application for which has not been denied) and intend to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. Foreign exchange students, students age 20 or over, previous Voice of Democracy first place state winners, GED or Adult Education Students are ineligible. **Essay & Video Instructions** * Record your original 3-5 minute (+ or – 5 seconds max.) audio essay. * You will submit the recording and typed essay via an upload to your Scholar's App application. * You must be the sole author of your essay. The recording must be in your own voice and in English. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. Hearing/speech impaired students should email the Voice of Democracy National Office at youthscholarships@vfw.org for special instructions. **Note**: * No music, singing, poetry or sound effects are allowed. * The body of the essay must not identify you in any way, (including, but not limited to your name, school, city, state, race, or national origin). **Judging Criteria** * **Originality is worth 30 points**: Treatment of the theme should show imagination and human interest. * **Content is worth 35 points**: Clearly express your ideas in an organized manner. Fully develop your theme and use transitions to move smoothly from one idea to another. * **Delivery is worth 35 points**: Speak in a clear and credible manner.
- VFW - Voice of Democracy - South Dakota - District 4 - Post 3351Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW’s) premier scholarship program. Each year, nearly 27,000 high school students compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is **"What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?"** Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, state and national level. Department (State) winners receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington DC, to tour the city, be honored by the VFW and its Auxiliary and receive their portion of $171,000 in national awards, the top award scholarship being $35,000. All entries are submitted at the Post level. **The Voice of Democracy is open to students in grades 9-12 by the Oct. 31 deadline** who are enrolled in a public private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application for which has not been denied) and intend to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. Foreign exchange students, students age 20 or over, previous Voice of Democracy first place state winners, GED or Adult Education Students are ineligible. **Essay & Video Instructions** * Record your original 3-5 minute (+ or – 5 seconds max.) audio essay. * You will submit the recording and typed essay via an upload to your Scholar's App application. * You must be the sole author of your essay. The recording must be in your own voice and in English. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. Hearing/speech impaired students should email the Voice of Democracy National Office at youthscholarships@vfw.org for special instructions. **Note**: * No music, singing, poetry or sound effects are allowed. * The body of the essay must not identify you in any way, (including, but not limited to your name, school, city, state, race, or national origin). **Judging Criteria** * **Originality is worth 30 points**: Treatment of the theme should show imagination and human interest. * **Content is worth 35 points**: Clearly express your ideas in an organized manner. Fully develop your theme and use transitions to move smoothly from one idea to another. * **Delivery is worth 35 points**: Speak in a clear and credible manner.
- VFW - Voice of Democracy - South Dakota - District 4 - Post 3486Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW’s) premier scholarship program. Each year, nearly 27,000 high school students compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is **"What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?"** Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, state and national level. Department (State) winners receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington DC, to tour the city, be honored by the VFW and its Auxiliary and receive their portion of $171,000 in national awards, the top award scholarship being $35,000. All entries are submitted at the Post level. **The Voice of Democracy is open to students in grades 9-12 by the Oct. 31 deadline** who are enrolled in a public private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application for which has not been denied) and intend to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. Foreign exchange students, students age 20 or over, previous Voice of Democracy first place state winners, GED or Adult Education Students are ineligible. **Essay & Video Instructions** * Record your original 3-5 minute (+ or – 5 seconds max.) audio essay. * You will submit the recording and typed essay via an upload to your Scholar's App application. * You must be the sole author of your essay. The recording must be in your own voice and in English. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. Hearing/speech impaired students should email the Voice of Democracy National Office at youthscholarships@vfw.org for special instructions. **Note**: * No music, singing, poetry or sound effects are allowed. * The body of the essay must not identify you in any way, (including, but not limited to your name, school, city, state, race, or national origin). **Judging Criteria** * **Originality is worth 30 points**: Treatment of the theme should show imagination and human interest. * **Content is worth 35 points**: Clearly express your ideas in an organized manner. Fully develop your theme and use transitions to move smoothly from one idea to another. * **Delivery is worth 35 points**: Speak in a clear and credible manner.
- VFW - Voice of Democracy - South Dakota - District 4 - Post 3507Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW’s) premier scholarship program. Each year, nearly 27,000 high school students compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is **"What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?"** Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, state and national level. Department (State) winners receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington DC, to tour the city, be honored by the VFW and its Auxiliary and receive their portion of $171,000 in national awards, the top award scholarship being $35,000. All entries are submitted at the Post level. **The Voice of Democracy is open to students in grades 9-12 by the Oct. 31 deadline** who are enrolled in a public private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application for which has not been denied) and intend to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. Foreign exchange students, students age 20 or over, previous Voice of Democracy first place state winners, GED or Adult Education Students are ineligible. **Essay & Video Instructions** * Record your original 3-5 minute (+ or – 5 seconds max.) audio essay. * You will submit the recording and typed essay via an upload to your Scholar's App application. * You must be the sole author of your essay. The recording must be in your own voice and in English. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. Hearing/speech impaired students should email the Voice of Democracy National Office at youthscholarships@vfw.org for special instructions. **Note**: * No music, singing, poetry or sound effects are allowed. * The body of the essay must not identify you in any way, (including, but not limited to your name, school, city, state, race, or national origin). **Judging Criteria** * **Originality is worth 30 points**: Treatment of the theme should show imagination and human interest. * **Content is worth 35 points**: Clearly express your ideas in an organized manner. Fully develop your theme and use transitions to move smoothly from one idea to another. * **Delivery is worth 35 points**: Speak in a clear and credible manner.
- VFW - Voice of Democracy - South Dakota - District 4 - Post 4690Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW’s) premier scholarship program. Each year, nearly 27,000 high school students compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is **"What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?"** Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, state and national level. Department (State) winners receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington DC, to tour the city, be honored by the VFW and its Auxiliary and receive their portion of $171,000 in national awards, the top award scholarship being $35,000. All entries are submitted at the Post level. **The Voice of Democracy is open to students in grades 9-12 by the Oct. 31 deadline** who are enrolled in a public private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application for which has not been denied) and intend to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. Foreign exchange students, students age 20 or over, previous Voice of Democracy first place state winners, GED or Adult Education Students are ineligible. **Essay & Video Instructions** * Record your original 3-5 minute (+ or – 5 seconds max.) audio essay. * You will submit the recording and typed essay via an upload to your Scholar's App application. * You must be the sole author of your essay. The recording must be in your own voice and in English. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. Hearing/speech impaired students should email the Voice of Democracy National Office at youthscholarships@vfw.org for special instructions. **Note**: * No music, singing, poetry or sound effects are allowed. * The body of the essay must not identify you in any way, (including, but not limited to your name, school, city, state, race, or national origin). **Judging Criteria** * **Originality is worth 30 points**: Treatment of the theme should show imagination and human interest. * **Content is worth 35 points**: Clearly express your ideas in an organized manner. Fully develop your theme and use transitions to move smoothly from one idea to another. * **Delivery is worth 35 points**: Speak in a clear and credible manner.
- VFW - Voice of Democracy - South Dakota - District 4 - Post 6361Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW’s) premier scholarship program. Each year, nearly 27,000 high school students compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is **"What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?"** Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, state and national level. Department (State) winners receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington DC, to tour the city, be honored by the VFW and its Auxiliary and receive their portion of $171,000 in national awards, the top award scholarship being $35,000. All entries are submitted at the Post level. **The Voice of Democracy is open to students in grades 9-12 by the Oct. 31 deadline** who are enrolled in a public private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application for which has not been denied) and intend to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. Foreign exchange students, students age 20 or over, previous Voice of Democracy first place state winners, GED or Adult Education Students are ineligible. **Essay & Video Instructions** * Record your original 3-5 minute (+ or – 5 seconds max.) audio essay. * You will submit the recording and typed essay via an upload to your Scholar's App application. * You must be the sole author of your essay. The recording must be in your own voice and in English. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. Hearing/speech impaired students should email the Voice of Democracy National Office at youthscholarships@vfw.org for special instructions. **Note**: * No music, singing, poetry or sound effects are allowed. * The body of the essay must not identify you in any way, (including, but not limited to your name, school, city, state, race, or national origin). **Judging Criteria** * **Originality is worth 30 points**: Treatment of the theme should show imagination and human interest. * **Content is worth 35 points**: Clearly express your ideas in an organized manner. Fully develop your theme and use transitions to move smoothly from one idea to another. * **Delivery is worth 35 points**: Speak in a clear and credible manner.
- VFW - Voice of Democracy - South Dakota - District 4 - Post 750Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW’s) premier scholarship program. Each year, nearly 27,000 high school students compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is **"What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?"** Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, state and national level. Department (State) winners receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington DC, to tour the city, be honored by the VFW and its Auxiliary and receive their portion of $171,000 in national awards, the top award scholarship being $35,000. All entries are submitted at the Post level. **The Voice of Democracy is open to students in grades 9-12 by the Oct. 31 deadline** who are enrolled in a public private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application for which has not been denied) and intend to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. Foreign exchange students, students age 20 or over, previous Voice of Democracy first place state winners, GED or Adult Education Students are ineligible. **Essay & Video Instructions** * Record your original 3-5 minute (+ or – 5 seconds max.) audio essay. * You will submit the recording and typed essay via an upload to your Scholar's App application. * You must be the sole author of your essay. The recording must be in your own voice and in English. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. Hearing/speech impaired students should email the Voice of Democracy National Office at youthscholarships@vfw.org for special instructions. **Note**: * No music, singing, poetry or sound effects are allowed. * The body of the essay must not identify you in any way, (including, but not limited to your name, school, city, state, race, or national origin). **Judging Criteria** * **Originality is worth 30 points**: Treatment of the theme should show imagination and human interest. * **Content is worth 35 points**: Clearly express your ideas in an organized manner. Fully develop your theme and use transitions to move smoothly from one idea to another. * **Delivery is worth 35 points**: Speak in a clear and credible manner.
- VFW - Voice of Democracy - South Dakota - District 6 - Post 17Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW’s) premier scholarship program. Each year, nearly 27,000 high school students compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is **"What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?"** Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, state and national level. Department (State) winners receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington DC, to tour the city, be honored by the VFW and its Auxiliary and receive their portion of $171,000 in national awards, the top award scholarship being $35,000. All entries are submitted at the Post level. **The Voice of Democracy is open to students in grades 9-12 by the Oct. 31 deadline** who are enrolled in a public private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application for which has not been denied) and intend to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. Foreign exchange students, students age 20 or over, previous Voice of Democracy first place state winners, GED or Adult Education Students are ineligible. **Essay & Video Instructions** * Record your original 3-5 minute (+ or – 5 seconds max.) audio essay. * You will submit the recording and typed essay via an upload to your Scholar's App application. * You must be the sole author of your essay. The recording must be in your own voice and in English. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. Hearing/speech impaired students should email the Voice of Democracy National Office at youthscholarships@vfw.org for special instructions. **Note**: * No music, singing, poetry or sound effects are allowed. * The body of the essay must not identify you in any way, (including, but not limited to your name, school, city, state, race, or national origin). **Judging Criteria** * **Originality is worth 30 points**: Treatment of the theme should show imagination and human interest. * **Content is worth 35 points**: Clearly express your ideas in an organized manner. Fully develop your theme and use transitions to move smoothly from one idea to another. * **Delivery is worth 35 points**: Speak in a clear and credible manner.
- VFW - Voice of Democracy - South Dakota - District 6 - Post 1776Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW’s) premier scholarship program. Each year, nearly 27,000 high school students compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is **"What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?"** Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, state and national level. Department (State) winners receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington DC, to tour the city, be honored by the VFW and its Auxiliary and receive their portion of $171,000 in national awards, the top award scholarship being $35,000. All entries are submitted at the Post level. **The Voice of Democracy is open to students in grades 9-12 by the Oct. 31 deadline** who are enrolled in a public private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application for which has not been denied) and intend to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. Foreign exchange students, students age 20 or over, previous Voice of Democracy first place state winners, GED or Adult Education Students are ineligible. **Essay & Video Instructions** * Record your original 3-5 minute (+ or – 5 seconds max.) audio essay. * You will submit the recording and typed essay via an upload to your Scholar's App application. * You must be the sole author of your essay. The recording must be in your own voice and in English. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. Hearing/speech impaired students should email the Voice of Democracy National Office at youthscholarships@vfw.org for special instructions. **Note**: * No music, singing, poetry or sound effects are allowed. * The body of the essay must not identify you in any way, (including, but not limited to your name, school, city, state, race, or national origin). **Judging Criteria** * **Originality is worth 30 points**: Treatment of the theme should show imagination and human interest. * **Content is worth 35 points**: Clearly express your ideas in an organized manner. Fully develop your theme and use transitions to move smoothly from one idea to another. * **Delivery is worth 35 points**: Speak in a clear and credible manner.
- VFW - Voice of Democracy - South Dakota - District 6 - Post 2038Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW’s) premier scholarship program. Each year, nearly 27,000 high school students compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is **"What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?"** Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, state and national level. Department (State) winners receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington DC, to tour the city, be honored by the VFW and its Auxiliary and receive their portion of $171,000 in national awards, the top award scholarship being $35,000. All entries are submitted at the Post level. **The Voice of Democracy is open to students in grades 9-12 by the Oct. 31 deadline** who are enrolled in a public private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application for which has not been denied) and intend to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. Foreign exchange students, students age 20 or over, previous Voice of Democracy first place state winners, GED or Adult Education Students are ineligible. **Essay & Video Instructions** * Record your original 3-5 minute (+ or – 5 seconds max.) audio essay. * You will submit the recording and typed essay via an upload to your Scholar's App application. * You must be the sole author of your essay. The recording must be in your own voice and in English. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. Hearing/speech impaired students should email the Voice of Democracy National Office at youthscholarships@vfw.org for special instructions. **Note**: * No music, singing, poetry or sound effects are allowed. * The body of the essay must not identify you in any way, (including, but not limited to your name, school, city, state, race, or national origin). **Judging Criteria** * **Originality is worth 30 points**: Treatment of the theme should show imagination and human interest. * **Content is worth 35 points**: Clearly express your ideas in an organized manner. Fully develop your theme and use transitions to move smoothly from one idea to another. * **Delivery is worth 35 points**: Speak in a clear and credible manner.
- VFW - Voice of Democracy - South Dakota - District 6 - Post 2741Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW’s) premier scholarship program. Each year, nearly 27,000 high school students compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is **"What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?"** Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, state and national level. Department (State) winners receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington DC, to tour the city, be honored by the VFW and its Auxiliary and receive their portion of $171,000 in national awards, the top award scholarship being $35,000. All entries are submitted at the Post level. **The Voice of Democracy is open to students in grades 9-12 by the Oct. 31 deadline** who are enrolled in a public private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application for which has not been denied) and intend to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. Foreign exchange students, students age 20 or over, previous Voice of Democracy first place state winners, GED or Adult Education Students are ineligible. **Essay & Video Instructions** * Record your original 3-5 minute (+ or – 5 seconds max.) audio essay. * You will submit the recording and typed essay via an upload to your Scholar's App application. * You must be the sole author of your essay. The recording must be in your own voice and in English. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. Hearing/speech impaired students should email the Voice of Democracy National Office at youthscholarships@vfw.org for special instructions. **Note**: * No music, singing, poetry or sound effects are allowed. * The body of the essay must not identify you in any way, (including, but not limited to your name, school, city, state, race, or national origin). **Judging Criteria** * **Originality is worth 30 points**: Treatment of the theme should show imagination and human interest. * **Content is worth 35 points**: Clearly express your ideas in an organized manner. Fully develop your theme and use transitions to move smoothly from one idea to another. * **Delivery is worth 35 points**: Speak in a clear and credible manner.
- VFW - Voice of Democracy - South Dakota - District 6 - Post 2755Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW’s) premier scholarship program. Each year, nearly 27,000 high school students compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is **"What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?"** Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, state and national level. Department (State) winners receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington DC, to tour the city, be honored by the VFW and its Auxiliary and receive their portion of $171,000 in national awards, the top award scholarship being $35,000. All entries are submitted at the Post level. **The Voice of Democracy is open to students in grades 9-12 by the Oct. 31 deadline** who are enrolled in a public private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application for which has not been denied) and intend to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. Foreign exchange students, students age 20 or over, previous Voice of Democracy first place state winners, GED or Adult Education Students are ineligible. **Essay & Video Instructions** * Record your original 3-5 minute (+ or – 5 seconds max.) audio essay. * You will submit the recording and typed essay via an upload to your Scholar's App application. * You must be the sole author of your essay. The recording must be in your own voice and in English. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. Hearing/speech impaired students should email the Voice of Democracy National Office at youthscholarships@vfw.org for special instructions. **Note**: * No music, singing, poetry or sound effects are allowed. * The body of the essay must not identify you in any way, (including, but not limited to your name, school, city, state, race, or national origin). **Judging Criteria** * **Originality is worth 30 points**: Treatment of the theme should show imagination and human interest. * **Content is worth 35 points**: Clearly express your ideas in an organized manner. Fully develop your theme and use transitions to move smoothly from one idea to another. * **Delivery is worth 35 points**: Speak in a clear and credible manner.
- VFW - Voice of Democracy - South Dakota - District 6 - Post 3214Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW’s) premier scholarship program. Each year, nearly 27,000 high school students compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is **"What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?"** Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, state and national level. Department (State) winners receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington DC, to tour the city, be honored by the VFW and its Auxiliary and receive their portion of $171,000 in national awards, the top award scholarship being $35,000. All entries are submitted at the Post level. **The Voice of Democracy is open to students in grades 9-12 by the Oct. 31 deadline** who are enrolled in a public private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application for which has not been denied) and intend to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. Foreign exchange students, students age 20 or over, previous Voice of Democracy first place state winners, GED or Adult Education Students are ineligible. **Essay & Video Instructions** * Record your original 3-5 minute (+ or – 5 seconds max.) audio essay. * You will submit the recording and typed essay via an upload to your Scholar's App application. * You must be the sole author of your essay. The recording must be in your own voice and in English. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. Hearing/speech impaired students should email the Voice of Democracy National Office at youthscholarships@vfw.org for special instructions. **Note**: * No music, singing, poetry or sound effects are allowed. * The body of the essay must not identify you in any way, (including, but not limited to your name, school, city, state, race, or national origin). **Judging Criteria** * **Originality is worth 30 points**: Treatment of the theme should show imagination and human interest. * **Content is worth 35 points**: Clearly express your ideas in an organized manner. Fully develop your theme and use transitions to move smoothly from one idea to another. * **Delivery is worth 35 points**: Speak in a clear and credible manner.
- VFW - Voice of Democracy - South Dakota - District 6 - Post 5126Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW’s) premier scholarship program. Each year, nearly 27,000 high school students compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is **"What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?"** Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, state and national level. Department (State) winners receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington DC, to tour the city, be honored by the VFW and its Auxiliary and receive their portion of $171,000 in national awards, the top award scholarship being $35,000. All entries are submitted at the Post level. **The Voice of Democracy is open to students in grades 9-12 by the Oct. 31 deadline** who are enrolled in a public private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application for which has not been denied) and intend to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. Foreign exchange students, students age 20 or over, previous Voice of Democracy first place state winners, GED or Adult Education Students are ineligible. **Essay & Video Instructions** * Record your original 3-5 minute (+ or – 5 seconds max.) audio essay. * You will submit the recording and typed essay via an upload to your Scholar's App application. * You must be the sole author of your essay. The recording must be in your own voice and in English. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. Hearing/speech impaired students should email the Voice of Democracy National Office at youthscholarships@vfw.org for special instructions. **Note**: * No music, singing, poetry or sound effects are allowed. * The body of the essay must not identify you in any way, (including, but not limited to your name, school, city, state, race, or national origin). **Judging Criteria** * **Originality is worth 30 points**: Treatment of the theme should show imagination and human interest. * **Content is worth 35 points**: Clearly express your ideas in an organized manner. Fully develop your theme and use transitions to move smoothly from one idea to another. * **Delivery is worth 35 points**: Speak in a clear and credible manner.
- VFW - Voice of Democracy - South Dakota - District 6 - Post 5548Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW’s) premier scholarship program. Each year, nearly 27,000 high school students compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is **"What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?"** Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, state and national level. Department (State) winners receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington DC, to tour the city, be honored by the VFW and its Auxiliary and receive their portion of $171,000 in national awards, the top award scholarship being $35,000. All entries are submitted at the Post level. **The Voice of Democracy is open to students in grades 9-12 by the Oct. 31 deadline** who are enrolled in a public private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application for which has not been denied) and intend to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. Foreign exchange students, students age 20 or over, previous Voice of Democracy first place state winners, GED or Adult Education Students are ineligible. **Essay & Video Instructions** * Record your original 3-5 minute (+ or – 5 seconds max.) audio essay. * You will submit the recording and typed essay via an upload to your Scholar's App application. * You must be the sole author of your essay. The recording must be in your own voice and in English. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. Hearing/speech impaired students should email the Voice of Democracy National Office at youthscholarships@vfw.org for special instructions. **Note**: * No music, singing, poetry or sound effects are allowed. * The body of the essay must not identify you in any way, (including, but not limited to your name, school, city, state, race, or national origin). **Judging Criteria** * **Originality is worth 30 points**: Treatment of the theme should show imagination and human interest. * **Content is worth 35 points**: Clearly express your ideas in an organized manner. Fully develop your theme and use transitions to move smoothly from one idea to another. * **Delivery is worth 35 points**: Speak in a clear and credible manner.
- VFW - Voice of Democracy - South Dakota - District 6 - Post 6481Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW’s) premier scholarship program. Each year, nearly 27,000 high school students compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is **"What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?"** Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, state and national level. Department (State) winners receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington DC, to tour the city, be honored by the VFW and its Auxiliary and receive their portion of $171,000 in national awards, the top award scholarship being $35,000. All entries are submitted at the Post level. **The Voice of Democracy is open to students in grades 9-12 by the Oct. 31 deadline** who are enrolled in a public private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application for which has not been denied) and intend to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. Foreign exchange students, students age 20 or over, previous Voice of Democracy first place state winners, GED or Adult Education Students are ineligible. **Essay & Video Instructions** * Record your original 3-5 minute (+ or – 5 seconds max.) audio essay. * You will submit the recording and typed essay via an upload to your Scholar's App application. * You must be the sole author of your essay. The recording must be in your own voice and in English. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. Hearing/speech impaired students should email the Voice of Democracy National Office at youthscholarships@vfw.org for special instructions. **Note**: * No music, singing, poetry or sound effects are allowed. * The body of the essay must not identify you in any way, (including, but not limited to your name, school, city, state, race, or national origin). **Judging Criteria** * **Originality is worth 30 points**: Treatment of the theme should show imagination and human interest. * **Content is worth 35 points**: Clearly express your ideas in an organized manner. Fully develop your theme and use transitions to move smoothly from one idea to another. * **Delivery is worth 35 points**: Speak in a clear and credible manner.
- VFW - Voice of Democracy - South Dakota - District 6 - Post 8530Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW’s) premier scholarship program. Each year, nearly 27,000 high school students compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is **"What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?"** Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, state and national level. Department (State) winners receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington DC, to tour the city, be honored by the VFW and its Auxiliary and receive their portion of $171,000 in national awards, the top award scholarship being $35,000. All entries are submitted at the Post level. **The Voice of Democracy is open to students in grades 9-12 by the Oct. 31 deadline** who are enrolled in a public private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application for which has not been denied) and intend to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. Foreign exchange students, students age 20 or over, previous Voice of Democracy first place state winners, GED or Adult Education Students are ineligible. **Essay & Video Instructions** * Record your original 3-5 minute (+ or – 5 seconds max.) audio essay. * You will submit the recording and typed essay via an upload to your Scholar's App application. * You must be the sole author of your essay. The recording must be in your own voice and in English. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. Hearing/speech impaired students should email the Voice of Democracy National Office at youthscholarships@vfw.org for special instructions. **Note**: * No music, singing, poetry or sound effects are allowed. * The body of the essay must not identify you in any way, (including, but not limited to your name, school, city, state, race, or national origin). **Judging Criteria** * **Originality is worth 30 points**: Treatment of the theme should show imagination and human interest. * **Content is worth 35 points**: Clearly express your ideas in an organized manner. Fully develop your theme and use transitions to move smoothly from one idea to another. * **Delivery is worth 35 points**: Speak in a clear and credible manner.
- VFW - Voice of Democracy - South Dakota - District 7 - Post 1353Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW’s) premier scholarship program. Each year, nearly 27,000 high school students compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is **"What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?"** Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, state and national level. Department (State) winners receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington DC, to tour the city, be honored by the VFW and its Auxiliary and receive their portion of $171,000 in national awards, the top award scholarship being $35,000. All entries are submitted at the Post level. **The Voice of Democracy is open to students in grades 9-12 by the Oct. 31 deadline** who are enrolled in a public private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application for which has not been denied) and intend to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. Foreign exchange students, students age 20 or over, previous Voice of Democracy first place state winners, GED or Adult Education Students are ineligible. **Essay & Video Instructions** * Record your original 3-5 minute (+ or – 5 seconds max.) audio essay. * You will submit the recording and typed essay via an upload to your Scholar's App application. * You must be the sole author of your essay. The recording must be in your own voice and in English. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. Hearing/speech impaired students should email the Voice of Democracy National Office at youthscholarships@vfw.org for special instructions. **Note**: * No music, singing, poetry or sound effects are allowed. * The body of the essay must not identify you in any way, (including, but not limited to your name, school, city, state, race, or national origin). **Judging Criteria** * **Originality is worth 30 points**: Treatment of the theme should show imagination and human interest. * **Content is worth 35 points**: Clearly express your ideas in an organized manner. Fully develop your theme and use transitions to move smoothly from one idea to another. * **Delivery is worth 35 points**: Speak in a clear and credible manner.
- VFW - Voice of Democracy - South Dakota - District 7 - Post 2750Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW’s) premier scholarship program. Each year, nearly 27,000 high school students compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is **"What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?"** Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, state and national level. Department (State) winners receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington DC, to tour the city, be honored by the VFW and its Auxiliary and receive their portion of $171,000 in national awards, the top award scholarship being $35,000. All entries are submitted at the Post level. **The Voice of Democracy is open to students in grades 9-12 by the Oct. 31 deadline** who are enrolled in a public private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application for which has not been denied) and intend to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. Foreign exchange students, students age 20 or over, previous Voice of Democracy first place state winners, GED or Adult Education Students are ineligible. **Essay & Video Instructions** * Record your original 3-5 minute (+ or – 5 seconds max.) audio essay. * You will submit the recording and typed essay via an upload to your Scholar's App application. * You must be the sole author of your essay. The recording must be in your own voice and in English. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. Hearing/speech impaired students should email the Voice of Democracy National Office at youthscholarships@vfw.org for special instructions. **Note**: * No music, singing, poetry or sound effects are allowed. * The body of the essay must not identify you in any way, (including, but not limited to your name, school, city, state, race, or national origin). **Judging Criteria** * **Originality is worth 30 points**: Treatment of the theme should show imagination and human interest. * **Content is worth 35 points**: Clearly express your ideas in an organized manner. Fully develop your theme and use transitions to move smoothly from one idea to another. * **Delivery is worth 35 points**: Speak in a clear and credible manner.
- VFW - Voice of Democracy - South Dakota - District 7 - Post 2966Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW’s) premier scholarship program. Each year, nearly 27,000 high school students compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is **"What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?"** Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, state and national level. Department (State) winners receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington DC, to tour the city, be honored by the VFW and its Auxiliary and receive their portion of $171,000 in national awards, the top award scholarship being $35,000. All entries are submitted at the Post level. **The Voice of Democracy is open to students in grades 9-12 by the Oct. 31 deadline** who are enrolled in a public private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application for which has not been denied) and intend to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. Foreign exchange students, students age 20 or over, previous Voice of Democracy first place state winners, GED or Adult Education Students are ineligible. **Essay & Video Instructions** * Record your original 3-5 minute (+ or – 5 seconds max.) audio essay. * You will submit the recording and typed essay via an upload to your Scholar's App application. * You must be the sole author of your essay. The recording must be in your own voice and in English. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. Hearing/speech impaired students should email the Voice of Democracy National Office at youthscholarships@vfw.org for special instructions. **Note**: * No music, singing, poetry or sound effects are allowed. * The body of the essay must not identify you in any way, (including, but not limited to your name, school, city, state, race, or national origin). **Judging Criteria** * **Originality is worth 30 points**: Treatment of the theme should show imagination and human interest. * **Content is worth 35 points**: Clearly express your ideas in an organized manner. Fully develop your theme and use transitions to move smoothly from one idea to another. * **Delivery is worth 35 points**: Speak in a clear and credible manner.
- VFW - Voice of Democracy - South Dakota - District 7 - Post 3239Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW’s) premier scholarship program. Each year, nearly 27,000 high school students compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is **"What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?"** Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, state and national level. Department (State) winners receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington DC, to tour the city, be honored by the VFW and its Auxiliary and receive their portion of $171,000 in national awards, the top award scholarship being $35,000. All entries are submitted at the Post level. **The Voice of Democracy is open to students in grades 9-12 by the Oct. 31 deadline** who are enrolled in a public private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application for which has not been denied) and intend to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. Foreign exchange students, students age 20 or over, previous Voice of Democracy first place state winners, GED or Adult Education Students are ineligible. **Essay & Video Instructions** * Record your original 3-5 minute (+ or – 5 seconds max.) audio essay. * You will submit the recording and typed essay via an upload to your Scholar's App application. * You must be the sole author of your essay. The recording must be in your own voice and in English. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. Hearing/speech impaired students should email the Voice of Democracy National Office at youthscholarships@vfw.org for special instructions. **Note**: * No music, singing, poetry or sound effects are allowed. * The body of the essay must not identify you in any way, (including, but not limited to your name, school, city, state, race, or national origin). **Judging Criteria** * **Originality is worth 30 points**: Treatment of the theme should show imagination and human interest. * **Content is worth 35 points**: Clearly express your ideas in an organized manner. Fully develop your theme and use transitions to move smoothly from one idea to another. * **Delivery is worth 35 points**: Speak in a clear and credible manner.
- VFW - Voice of Democracy - South Dakota - District 7 - Post 3298Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW’s) premier scholarship program. Each year, nearly 27,000 high school students compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is **"What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?"** Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, state and national level. Department (State) winners receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington DC, to tour the city, be honored by the VFW and its Auxiliary and receive their portion of $171,000 in national awards, the top award scholarship being $35,000. Post Awarding: $100.00 All entries are submitted at the Post level. **The Voice of Democracy is open to students in grades 9-12 by the Oct. 31 deadline** who are enrolled in a public private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application for which has not been denied) and intend to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. Foreign exchange students, students age 20 or over, previous Voice of Democracy first place state winners, GED or Adult Education Students are ineligible. **Essay & Video Instructions** * Record your original 3-5 minute (+ or – 5 seconds max.) audio essay. * You will submit the recording and typed essay via an upload to your Scholar's App application. * You must be the sole author of your essay. The recording must be in your own voice and in English. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. Hearing/speech impaired students should email the Voice of Democracy National Office at youthscholarships@vfw.org for special instructions. **Note**: * No music, singing, poetry or sound effects are allowed. * The body of the essay must not identify you in any way, (including, but not limited to your name, school, city, state, race, or national origin). **Judging Criteria** * **Originality is worth 30 points**: Treatment of the theme should show imagination and human interest. * **Content is worth 35 points**: Clearly express your ideas in an organized manner. Fully develop your theme and use transitions to move smoothly from one idea to another. * **Delivery is worth 35 points**: Speak in a clear and credible manner.
- VFW - Voice of Democracy - South Dakota - District 7 - Post 4674Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW’s) premier scholarship program. Each year, nearly 27,000 high school students compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is **"What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?"** Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, state and national level. Department (State) winners receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington DC, to tour the city, be honored by the VFW and its Auxiliary and receive their portion of $171,000 in national awards, the top award scholarship being $35,000. All entries are submitted at the Post level. **The Voice of Democracy is open to students in grades 9-12 by the Oct. 31 deadline** who are enrolled in a public private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application for which has not been denied) and intend to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. Foreign exchange students, students age 20 or over, previous Voice of Democracy first place state winners, GED or Adult Education Students are ineligible. **Essay & Video Instructions** * Record your original 3-5 minute (+ or – 5 seconds max.) audio essay. * You will submit the recording and typed essay via an upload to your Scholar's App application. * You must be the sole author of your essay. The recording must be in your own voice and in English. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. Hearing/speech impaired students should email the Voice of Democracy National Office at youthscholarships@vfw.org for special instructions. **Note**: * No music, singing, poetry or sound effects are allowed. * The body of the essay must not identify you in any way, (including, but not limited to your name, school, city, state, race, or national origin). **Judging Criteria** * **Originality is worth 30 points**: Treatment of the theme should show imagination and human interest. * **Content is worth 35 points**: Clearly express your ideas in an organized manner. Fully develop your theme and use transitions to move smoothly from one idea to another. * **Delivery is worth 35 points**: Speak in a clear and credible manner.
- VFW - Voice of Democracy - South Dakota - District 7 - Post 6436Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW’s) premier scholarship program. Each year, nearly 27,000 high school students compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is **"What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?"** Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, state and national level. Department (State) winners receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington DC, to tour the city, be honored by the VFW and its Auxiliary and receive their portion of $171,000 in national awards, the top award scholarship being $35,000. All entries are submitted at the Post level. **The Voice of Democracy is open to students in grades 9-12 by the Oct. 31 deadline** who are enrolled in a public private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application for which has not been denied) and intend to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. Foreign exchange students, students age 20 or over, previous Voice of Democracy first place state winners, GED or Adult Education Students are ineligible. **Essay & Video Instructions** * Record your original 3-5 minute (+ or – 5 seconds max.) audio essay. * You will submit the recording and typed essay via an upload to your Scholar's App application. * You must be the sole author of your essay. The recording must be in your own voice and in English. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. Hearing/speech impaired students should email the Voice of Democracy National Office at youthscholarships@vfw.org for special instructions. **Note**: * No music, singing, poetry or sound effects are allowed. * The body of the essay must not identify you in any way, (including, but not limited to your name, school, city, state, race, or national origin). **Judging Criteria** * **Originality is worth 30 points**: Treatment of the theme should show imagination and human interest. * **Content is worth 35 points**: Clearly express your ideas in an organized manner. Fully develop your theme and use transitions to move smoothly from one idea to another. * **Delivery is worth 35 points**: Speak in a clear and credible manner.
- VFW - Voice of Democracy - South Dakota - District 7 - Post 6554Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW’s) premier scholarship program. Each year, nearly 27,000 high school students compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is **"What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?"** Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, state and national level. Department (State) winners receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington DC, to tour the city, be honored by the VFW and its Auxiliary and receive their portion of $171,000 in national awards, the top award scholarship being $35,000. All entries are submitted at the Post level. **The Voice of Democracy is open to students in grades 9-12 by the Oct. 31 deadline** who are enrolled in a public private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application for which has not been denied) and intend to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. Foreign exchange students, students age 20 or over, previous Voice of Democracy first place state winners, GED or Adult Education Students are ineligible. **Essay & Video Instructions** * Record your original 3-5 minute (+ or – 5 seconds max.) audio essay. * You will submit the recording and typed essay via an upload to your Scholar's App application. * You must be the sole author of your essay. The recording must be in your own voice and in English. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. Hearing/speech impaired students should email the Voice of Democracy National Office at youthscholarships@vfw.org for special instructions. **Note**: * No music, singing, poetry or sound effects are allowed. * The body of the essay must not identify you in any way, (including, but not limited to your name, school, city, state, race, or national origin). **Judging Criteria** * **Originality is worth 30 points**: Treatment of the theme should show imagination and human interest. * **Content is worth 35 points**: Clearly express your ideas in an organized manner. Fully develop your theme and use transitions to move smoothly from one idea to another. * **Delivery is worth 35 points**: Speak in a clear and credible manner.
- VFW - Voice of Democracy - South Dakota - District 7 - Post 6895Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW’s) premier scholarship program. Each year, nearly 27,000 high school students compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is **"What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?"** Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, state and national level. Department (State) winners receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington DC, to tour the city, be honored by the VFW and its Auxiliary and receive their portion of $171,000 in national awards, the top award scholarship being $35,000. All entries are submitted at the Post level. **The Voice of Democracy is open to students in grades 9-12 by the Oct. 31 deadline** who are enrolled in a public private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application for which has not been denied) and intend to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. Foreign exchange students, students age 20 or over, previous Voice of Democracy first place state winners, GED or Adult Education Students are ineligible. **Essay & Video Instructions** * Record your original 3-5 minute (+ or – 5 seconds max.) audio essay. * You will submit the recording and typed essay via an upload to your Scholar's App application. * You must be the sole author of your essay. The recording must be in your own voice and in English. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. Hearing/speech impaired students should email the Voice of Democracy National Office at youthscholarships@vfw.org for special instructions. **Note**: * No music, singing, poetry or sound effects are allowed. * The body of the essay must not identify you in any way, (including, but not limited to your name, school, city, state, race, or national origin). **Judging Criteria** * **Originality is worth 30 points**: Treatment of the theme should show imagination and human interest. * **Content is worth 35 points**: Clearly express your ideas in an organized manner. Fully develop your theme and use transitions to move smoothly from one idea to another. * **Delivery is worth 35 points**: Speak in a clear and credible manner.
- VFW - Voice of Democracy - South Dakota - District 7 - Post 6897Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW’s) premier scholarship program. Each year, nearly 27,000 high school students compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is **"What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?"** Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, state and national level. Department (State) winners receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington DC, to tour the city, be honored by the VFW and its Auxiliary and receive their portion of $171,000 in national awards, the top award scholarship being $35,000. Post Awarding: $25.00 All entries are submitted at the Post level. **The Voice of Democracy is open to students in grades 9-12 by the Oct. 31 deadline** who are enrolled in a public private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application for which has not been denied) and intend to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. Foreign exchange students, students age 20 or over, previous Voice of Democracy first place state winners, GED or Adult Education Students are ineligible. **Essay & Video Instructions** * Record your original 3-5 minute (+ or – 5 seconds max.) audio essay. * You will submit the recording and typed essay via an upload to your Scholar's App application. * You must be the sole author of your essay. The recording must be in your own voice and in English. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. Hearing/speech impaired students should email the Voice of Democracy National Office at youthscholarships@vfw.org for special instructions. **Note**: * No music, singing, poetry or sound effects are allowed. * The body of the essay must not identify you in any way, (including, but not limited to your name, school, city, state, race, or national origin). **Judging Criteria** * **Originality is worth 30 points**: Treatment of the theme should show imagination and human interest. * **Content is worth 35 points**: Clearly express your ideas in an organized manner. Fully develop your theme and use transitions to move smoothly from one idea to another. * **Delivery is worth 35 points**: Speak in a clear and credible manner.
- VFW - Voice of Democracy - South Dakota - District 7 - Post 7319Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW’s) premier scholarship program. Each year, nearly 27,000 high school students compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is **"What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?"** Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, state and national level. Department (State) winners receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington DC, to tour the city, be honored by the VFW and its Auxiliary and receive their portion of $171,000 in national awards, the top award scholarship being $35,000. All entries are submitted at the Post level. **The Voice of Democracy is open to students in grades 9-12 by the Oct. 31 deadline** who are enrolled in a public private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application for which has not been denied) and intend to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. Foreign exchange students, students age 20 or over, previous Voice of Democracy first place state winners, GED or Adult Education Students are ineligible. **Essay & Video Instructions** * Record your original 3-5 minute (+ or – 5 seconds max.) audio essay. * You will submit the recording and typed essay via an upload to your Scholar's App application. * You must be the sole author of your essay. The recording must be in your own voice and in English. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. Hearing/speech impaired students should email the Voice of Democracy National Office at youthscholarships@vfw.org for special instructions. **Note**: * No music, singing, poetry or sound effects are allowed. * The body of the essay must not identify you in any way, (including, but not limited to your name, school, city, state, race, or national origin). **Judging Criteria** * **Originality is worth 30 points**: Treatment of the theme should show imagination and human interest. * **Content is worth 35 points**: Clearly express your ideas in an organized manner. Fully develop your theme and use transitions to move smoothly from one idea to another. * **Delivery is worth 35 points**: Speak in a clear and credible manner.
- VFW - Voice of Democracy - South Dakota - District 7 - Post 9950Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy has been the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW’s) premier scholarship program. Each year, nearly 27,000 high school students compete for more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives. Students compete by writing and recording an audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is **"What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?"** Prizes and scholarships can be awarded at the Post, District, state and national level. Department (State) winners receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington DC, to tour the city, be honored by the VFW and its Auxiliary and receive their portion of $171,000 in national awards, the top award scholarship being $35,000. All entries are submitted at the Post level. **The Voice of Democracy is open to students in grades 9-12 by the Oct. 31 deadline** who are enrolled in a public private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions; or dependents of U.S. military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. Although U.S. citizenship is not required, students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (the application for which has not been denied) and intend to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity allowed by law. Foreign exchange students, students age 20 or over, previous Voice of Democracy first place state winners, GED or Adult Education Students are ineligible. **Essay & Video Instructions** * Record your original 3-5 minute (+ or – 5 seconds max.) audio essay. * You will submit the recording and typed essay via an upload to your Scholar's App application. * You must be the sole author of your essay. The recording must be in your own voice and in English. * Use of ChatGPT or other AI tools is not allowed. Hearing/speech impaired students should email the Voice of Democracy National Office at youthscholarships@vfw.org for special instructions. **Note**: * No music, singing, poetry or sound effects are allowed. * The body of the essay must not identify you in any way, (including, but not limited to your name, school, city, state, race, or national origin). **Judging Criteria** * **Originality is worth 30 points**: Treatment of the theme should show imagination and human interest. * **Content is worth 35 points**: Clearly express your ideas in an organized manner. Fully develop your theme and use transitions to move smoothly from one idea to another. * **Delivery is worth 35 points**: Speak in a clear and credible manner.