VFW hosts 3 contests that promote patriotism

The Veterans of Foreign Wars in the CNMI is kicking off its outreach to schools with three contests that target both students and teachers—all aimed at creating a better understanding of America’s history and patriotism.

According to Joey McDoulett, commander of VFW Post 3457, the educational programs that are currently in the works are “Voice of Democracy” and “Patriot’s Pen” for students and “Teachers Award” for teachers.

These programs are part of the National VFW Scholarship and Award Programs, which began in 1947.

The “Voice of Democracy” is a voice-essay contest while the Patriot’s Pen is a written essay and the Teacher’s Award recognizes teachers from across the nation.

The theme for “Voice of Democracy” asks the question: “Is This the Country the Founders Envisioned?” Students in Grades 9 through 12 can join by completing the entry form and recording original 3- to 5-minute voice essay, either on a flash drive or audio CD.

For students in Grades 6 to 8, they can join the “Patriot’s Pen” competition by writing an essay that answers the question, “What is patriotism to me?” Complete the entry form and write an essay in English, no more or no less than 300 to 400 typewritten words with no color or graphics.

For the “Smart/Maher Teacher Award,” students from K-5, 6-8 and 9-12 can nominate teachers who teach citizenship education for a least half of the school day in a classroom environment and promote America’s history, traditions and institutions effectively. The students are required to write 350 words or less to explain why you feel the nominee should be selected. Students must complete entry form and judging is completed first at the post level (Saipan), next at the district level (Marianas), and then against other entries from posts in Asia.

“These programs are very special as they promote not just history and patriotism, but they also touch on traditions, institutions, civic responsibility and flag etiquette,” said McDoulett. “VFW goes to great lengths to help the community and encourage thoughtful discourse about our country.”

The National Voice of Democracy winner receives a $30,000 scholarship and the Patriot’s Pen winner receives a $5,000 award. The deadline for these programs is on Oct. 31, 2020.

For more information, call Mariano Fajardo at (670) 285-0613 or you can drop off entries at the VFW Post 3457 on Palm St. in Garapan after 4pm. Additional entry forms are available online at www.vfw.org under “Community” subtitled “Programs.” Go here: http://www.vfw.org/Community/Programs/.