VFW promotes patriotism and invests in our future generations by sponsoring two youth scholarships since 1947. Submission deadlines for both scholarships below is October 31 to VFW Post 8053

The “Voice of Democracy” scholarship is open to qualified high school students to compete for a national first-place winner of a $30,000 college scholarship. Other scholarships range from $1,000 to $16,000 for the first-place winner in each state and includes an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. Each year, 9th through 12th grade students enter to win a share of $2.1 million in educational scholarships. The theme for 2019-2020 audio-essay is “What Makes America Great.” Read the rules and eligibility requirements at https://vfworg-cdn.azureedge.net/-/media/VFWSite/Files/Community/Youth-and-Education/Voice-of-Democracy-Rules-and-Eligibility.pdf?la-en&v=1&d=20181204T184900Z.

The “Patriot’s Pen” scholarship is for 6th through 8th grade students to compete for a $5,000 scholarship and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. The first-place winner from each state competes for national awards totaling $55,000, with each receiving a minimum of $500. The 2019-2020 theme is “What Makes America Great.” Read the rules and eligibility requirements at https://vfworg-cdn.azureedge.net/-/media/VFWSite/Files/Community/Youth-and-Education/Patriots-Pen-Rules-and-Eligibility-pdf?la-en&v=1&d=20181204T185017Z.

Days of honoring the military this month are September 2, Labor Day; September 11, Patriot Day; September 17, Constitution Day; September 18, Air Force Birthday; September 21, POW/MIA Recognition Day; September 29, Gold Star Mother’s and Family Day.

For more information about how to join the Sun Lakes Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Auxiliary or for youth scholarship information, contact Stephanie Reynolds at [email protected] or 503-701-3194.