Scholarship Chairperson: Frances Perini

106 White Cedar Ln Hendersonville, NC 28791

feperini@prodigy.net -

401-652-0315 June 2025

 

Hi to all Auxiliaries and Districts, I am your new scholarship chairman for this year 2025-2026. The scholarship program is divided into two parts, the VFW National Scholarship Programs and the Auxiliary National Scholarship Programs. Each of these scholarships encourage patriotism, assist students in attaining an education and help students reach their full potential. VFW NATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS (For these two programs the Auxiliaries should try to work together with their Post members to promote the programs). PATRIOT’S PEN: A youth essay contest open to students in grades 6-8 who are enrolled in public, private, parochial school or home school programs. The grand prize is $5,000. VOICE OF DEMOCRACY: An audio-essay program for students in grades 9-12 who are enrolled in public, private, parochial school or home school programs. The grand prize is a $35,000 scholarship. Both the Patriot’s Pen and Voice of Democracy themes are "HOW ARE YOU SHOWING PATRIOTISM AND SUPPORT FOR OUR COUNTRY?”, the student entry deadline for both programs are due to Posts by October 31, 2025. You can find information; instructions and can download application forms for the Patriot’s Pen and Voice of Democracy online at www.vfw.org under the community tab. AUXILIARY NATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS CONTINUING EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP: Open to any Auxiliary member ( a member for at least one year), their spouses and children. This is the only scholarship limited by membership. The scholarship is $1,250 awarded to one winner in each of the four conferences. Entrant must be at least 21, complete the application https://vfwauxiliary.org/scholarships/continuing-education/ and submit an essay of 300 words or less. Deadline is February 15, 2026, to VFW Auxiliary National Headquarters. YOUNG AMERICAN CREATIVE PATRIOTIC ART CONTEST: Open to any student in grades 9-12. Students submit an original two-dimensional piece of artwork. Entry must be completed during the current school year and submitted to the Auxiliary by March 31, 2026. The first-place winner will receive a $15,000 scholarship. To download an entry form, visit www.vfwauxiliary.org/scholarships. 3-DIMENSIONAL PATRIOTIC ART CONTEST: Open to any students in grades 9-12. Students submit an original three-dimensional piece of artwork. Entry must be completed during current school year and submitted to the Auxiliary by March 31, 2026. The first-place winner will receive a $2,500 scholarship. To download an entry form visit www.vfwauxiliary.org/scholarships. Please try to get out and spread the word regarding these scholarship programs, you can post this information on your Auxiliary websites, newsletters and social media. Try to designate a person who will distribute applications to the schools to be given to their students. Brochures and applications available at vfwauxiliary.org/scholarships/continuing-education and in MALTA under Member Resources.