VFW Programs
Programs & Scholarships
Voice of Democracy Scholarship - 2023/2024
This scholarship was established in 1947 (the same year our post was founded). It is an audio-essay program that provides high school students a unique opportunity to express themselves in a patriotic themed essay. Each year, nearly 25,000 9th through 12th grade students from across the nation enter to win over $1.3 Million dollars in prizes with the national first place winner receiving over $35,000 in scholarships. The winner at the Department of Colorado wins $1,000 and a paid trip to Washington D.C. where they will spend a week with their peers developing relationships that will last a lifetime!
VFW Post 9644 awards it's first, second and third place winners monetary awards, with the first place winner moving on to district level where they will compete with others within the district.
The theme this year is "What Are the Greatest Attributes of Our Democracy?"
Patriot's Pen Scholarship - 2023/2024
Each year, nearly 65,000 sixth through eighth graders enter the VFW's Patriot's Pen youth essay contest for a chance to win a share of the more than $1.4 Million in award money with a Department of Colorado award of $500, and a national award of $5,000.
Young minds are encouraged to examine America's history through essay by drafting at 300 to 400 word essay.
VFW Post 9644 awards it's first, second and third place winners monetary awards, with the first place winner moving on to district level where they will compete with others within the district.
The theme this year is "How Are You Inspired by America?"
Teacher of the Year - 2023/2024
Every year, VFW Post 9644 selects an elementary, middle or high school teacher to represent our community as our Smart/Maher VFW National Citizen Education Teacher of the Year.
We are always taking nominations for your favorite teacher in the City of Sheridan School District. Our post donates a prize to our teacher of the year, and the national prize of $1,000 for each of the top K-5, 6-8, and 9-12 grade teachers for professional development expenses, and 1,000 award for each of the winner's school, commemorative plaques, and an all-expense-paid trip to the VFW National Convention in 2024! The deadline for this is October 31, 2023.
Download the entry form here, then bring it to our post for submission.
Scout of the Year - 2023/2024
Annually, your VFW Post selects one Scout to be presented to department/state level to be considered for national recognition for VFW Scout of the Year.
Did you know that VFW Post 2100 in Everett, WA helped establish the very first scout troop (Troop 1)? The VFW and the scouts have a long-standing history and relationship which is why we are proud to offer our 2023/2024 Scout of the Year Program. This program provides members of the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts to be recognized for their standout citizenship, patriotism, and love of country. The deadline for this is March 1, 2024.
Download the entry form here, then bring it to our post for submission.