VFW’s ‘Patriot Pen’ deadline is Nov. 1

From Mary Tiede, Patriotic Pen Chairman
LAKE MARY, MN – Lake Mary VFW Auxiliary, Winsted is sponsoring a writing contest.
“Patriot Pen” is open to the sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students enrolled in public, private, parochial, and home schooled children in the US.
The 2008-09 theme is “Why America’s Veterans Should Be Honored.”
All essays should be typewritten in English with no color or graphics and cannot be less than 300 words or greater than 400 words in length. The essay title (theme) or added footnotes do not contribute to the word count. The students’ name cannot be on the turned-in essay. Send along a copy of the entry form with each completed essay. Deadline is Saturday, Nov. 1.

One of our auxiliary members will pick up the essays at the school office that day for judging. The auxiliary submits one winner for each 15 students to the district level.
District winners compete at state level. The first place winners at the state level is then advanced to national competition. The winners from each state then compete for the national prize. The top 45 national winners receive  a $1,000 savings bond minimum. The first place award is currently a $10,000 savings bond plus an all-expense paid trip to Washington DC for the winner and a parent or guardian.
The following awards will be given to the local Patriot Pen winners – first place, $250 and a plaque; second place, $150 and a plaque; third place, $100; and fourth place, $75.
The winners are invited to the VFW Post 2 and auxiliary meeting and meal Saturday, Jan. 3 in Belle Plaine. The winners will be notified in advance and sent a personal invitation.
The post and auxiliary will pay for the meals of the essay winners, their parents’ meals, and also the meal of the first place winner’s teacher.