Essay deadline Friday
By From staff reports
Published in News on October 31, 2013 1:46 PM
Mount Olive VFW Post 9959 is reminding all local school administrators, teachers, and parents that the deadline for the Patriotic Audio Essay and Patriot's Pen Essay competitions is almost here. All essays are due to the post by midnight Friday.
All Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award nominations are also due at the same time. Pickup from any school or home-schooled parent can be arranged by contacting Commander Ray Harrell, at 919-731-2270.
Official entry forms and the complete rules are available by contacting Harrell. Local entries will be judged through Nov. 15, and winners will be submitted to district judging and then state and national level judging.
The Patriot's Pen essay contest is open to sixth-, seventh-, and eight-grade students enrolled in public, private, parochial and home schools. This year's theme is "What Patriotism Means to Me." The top national prize is $5,000 for first place.
The Patriotic Audio Essay Competition is open to students in grades nine through 12, enrolled in public, private or parochial high school or home study in the United States. This year's theme is "Why I'm Optimistic About Our Nation's Future." The top national prize is a $30,000 scholarship.
The Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award is open to all classroom teachers teaching grades K-12. Nominations can be submitted by fellow teachers, supervisors or other non-related individuals.
VFW wants to recognize America's best educators who instill a sense of national pride in students. Teachers who promote civic responsibility, flag etiquette and patriotism are candidates for this award. National awards include a $1,000 award for top teacher of each category (K-5, 6-8, and 9-12) for professional development expenses, and $1,000 award for each winning teacher's school.