Free contest, Patriot's Pen Youth Essay Contest, top prize: $10,000 savings bond

Deadline: 1 November 2010

Patriot's Pen, a youth-essay writing contest endorsed by the National Association of Secondary School Principals' contest criteria, is a nationwide competition that gives students in grades 6, 7 and 8 the opportunity to write essays expressing their views on democracy, Contestants write a 300-400 word essay based on an annual patriotic theme. The first-place winner receives a $10,000 savings bond and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington D.C. The top national winners each receive a savings bond anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000.

This year's theme is "Does Patriotism still matter?" Deadline is Nov. 1.

WHO CAN ENTER:
The Patriot's Pen program is open to students in grades 6-8, who are enrolled in a public, private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States and its territories.

HOW TO ENTER:
Students should first ask a teacher or youth group leader to supervise their progress in the competition. Then the student should contact a local VFW Post and establish a contact person who is a member of that Post or its Ladies Auxiliary.

Next, it's time to start drafting considering this year's theme: "Does Patriotism Still Matter?" Essays must not exceed 400 words and be submitted to the Post, along with the completed Patriot's Pen entry form no later than November 1, 2010.

JUDGING CRITERIA:
Knowledge of the theme is worth 30 points: You must show a thorough knowledge of the theme in your work. Demonstrate you have researched the issue extensively.

Content is woth 35 points: Clearly express your ideas in an organized manner. Fully develop your theme and use transitions to move smoothly from one idea to the other.

Delivery is worth 35 points: Speak in a clear and credible manner.

For more information, contact George Baum at (928) 537-7511 or VFW 9907 at 381 N. Central Avenue in Show Low.

More information here.