Three Contests open to homeschoolers  
sponsored by Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars

The following three contests are open to homeschoolers and will award scholarships/and or monetary prizes to the winners. Information for all contests can be obtained by emailing roberta@vfwpost1650.kscoxmail.com or bu calling VFW Post #1650 at 785-235-9073.

Voice of Democracy Scholarship Competition (open to high school students)
Prizes and scholarships are awarded at the local, district, state and national level. Local winners will advance to the district competition, with the district winner competing at the state level and the state winner competing for college scholarships. State winners receive an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C., March 1-5, 2014, to tour the city, meet our nation's leaders, be honored by the VFW and its Ladies Auxiliary and receive their portion of $152,000 in national awards, the top scholarship being $30,000. To enter, students must write and record a three-to-five minute essay. The 2013-14 theme is "Why I'm Optimistic About Our Nation's Future." The recording (audio tape or audio CD) and the typed essay and entry form must be submitted to the Ladies Auxiliary VFW #1650 by Friday, November 1, 2013. Visit http://www.vfw.org/Community/Voice-of-Democracy/ to download the entry form.

Patriot's Pen Essay Competition (open for students in grade 6 through 8).
As above, students who win local, District and State competitions will advance to the national finals and compete for $46,000 in awards, with the winner receiving $5,000 plus an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. for the winner and a parent or guardian. The top 46 national winners all receive at least $500. To enter, students must write a 300-400 word essay on the 2013-14 theme "What Patriotism Means To Me" and submit it to Ladies Auxiliary VFW Post #1650 by Friday, November 1, 2013. To download entry form visit: http://www.vfw.org/Community/Patriot-s-Pen/

The Young American Creative Patriotic Art (open to students grades 9 through 12)
This competition, now in its 30th year, encourages students to use artistic talents to express their patriotism. Entries are judged on factors including originality of concept and clarity of patriotic expression. No digital art will be accepted. Artwork must be on canvas or paper. As above, students who win local, District and State competitions will advance to the national finals and compete for $21,000 in awards, with the winner receiving $10,000. Entries must be submitted to Ladies Auxiliary VFW #1650 by Monday, March 31, 2014. Foe complete rules and application form visit: http://www.ladiesauxvfw.org/programs-page/scholarships/