TEACHERS & STUDENTS

VFW Post 5352 – Patriotic Scholarships & Contests

Patriotism in Action

Scholarships, essay contests, patriotic art, and teacher recognition opportunities proudly supported by VFW Post 5352 in Kernersville, NC.

VFW Post 5352 Logo

Scholarships, Contests & Teacher Awards

The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and VFW Auxiliary are proud champions of the next generation! With a deep commitment to education, patriotism, and community, we proudly sponsor a variety of exciting scholarships and awards that celebrate young leaders and the incredible educators who inspire them every day. From creative art and writing contests to prestigious teacher recognition programs, these opportunities encourage students to find their voice, share their talents, and honor the values that make our nation strong—while shining a well-deserved spotlight on the teachers who guide them along the way.

Due Oct 31

Voice of Democracy®

Grades: 9–12

Theme: What a Veteran Taught Me About America

What students do: Record a 3–5 minute audio essay.

Up to $35,000
Audio Essay
Submission Deadline: October 31
Submit your completed entry form and Voice of Democracy entry to vfw5352@gmail.com .
Due Oct 31

Patriot’s Pen®

Grades: 6–8

Theme: What a Veteran Taught Me About America

What students do: Write a 300–400 word essay.

Up to $5,000
Essay Contest
Submission Deadline: October 31
Submit your completed entry form and essay to vfw5352@gmail.com .
Due Mar 31

Creative Patriotic Art (2-D)

Grades: 9–12

Theme: Open patriotic expression

What students do: Create a two-dimensional art piece and submit a short artist statement.

$37,000 Awards
2-D Art
Submission Deadline: March 31
Submit your artwork, entry materials, and completed submission form to teresa.walter12@gmail.com .
Due Mar 31

3-Dimensional Patriotic Art

Grades: 9–12

Theme: Open patriotic expression

What students do: Create a three-dimensional patriotic art piece and submit a brief artist statement.

$5,500 Awards
3-D Art
Submission Deadline: March 31
Submit your entry and completed submission form to teresa.walter12@gmail.com .
Due Dec 15

Illustrating America

Grades: K–8

Theme: Open patriotic expression

What students do: Draw or paint what America means to them.

Youth Awards
Art Contest
Submission Deadline: December 15
Submit your artwork and completed entry form to teresa.walter12@gmail.com .
Due Oct 31

Teacher of the Year

Eligibility: Elementary, Middle & High School Teachers

About the Program: Without our nation’s veterans, America wouldn’t be the great nation it is today. Through the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award program, the VFW recognizes educators who teach America’s history, traditions, and the role of veterans in creating and shaping America.

How to Participate: Nominate an outstanding teacher by completing the Teacher of the Year entry materials and submitting them through VFW Post 5352.

National Recognition
Citizenship Education
Submission Deadline: October 31
Submit the completed Teacher of the Year entry form to teresa.walter12@gmail.com .

Teacher Toolkit

Looking to share updated information and materials on VFW’s Voice of Democracy, Patriot’s Pen, and Teacher Award programs?

Share the VFW National Scholarship Brochure and contest information with students, teachers, counselors, homeschool groups, and educators in your community.

Download Teacher Flyer (PDF) Contact VFW Post 5352