VFW Post 11019 Seeks Student Entries for National Scholarship Competitions
VFW Post 11019 is inviting local students in grades 6–12 to participate in the Patriot’s Pen and Voice of Democracy scholarship competitions.
SOUTH BELOIT, Ill. — VFW Post 11019 is encouraging local parents, educators and students to request applications for the 2026–2027 Patriot’s Pen and Voice of Democracy scholarship competitions.
This year’s theme is “What a Veteran Taught Me About America.”
Patriot’s Pen is open to students in grades 6–8 and requires a 300- to 400-word written essay. National awards are available up to $5,000. Voice of Democracy is open to students in grades 9–12 and requires an original three- to five-minute recorded audio essay. Students compete for a share of more than $2 million in scholarships and incentives, including a $35,000 national first-place scholarship.
Completed entries must be submitted to VFW Post 11019 by Oct. 31, 2026. Interested students, parents and educators are urged to request application materials early to allow enough time to prepare a thoughtful entry.
Applications and additional information are available from VFW Post 11019 Youth Activities Coordinator:
William G. Drost at (608) 814-1747.
VFW Post 11019 proudly serves South Beloit and encourages the community to help local students take advantage of this opportunity to express their patriotism, share what they have learned from America’s veterans and compete for scholarship awards.
