The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 539 in Henryetta and VFW Post 1189 in Okmulgee, in partnership with the VFW Auxiliary, are once again proud to invite students from across Okmulgee County to participate in three exciting nationwide scholarship competitions designed to foster patriotism, civic responsibility and creative expression among young people.

Open to students from public, private, parochial, and home school settings, these contests offer the opportunity to win local, state, and even national recognition – along with major scholarship awards. Cash prizes are available at every level of competition, from local Posts to National Headquarters, and all Okmulgee County youth are encouraged to enter and spread the word to classmates, teachers, family and friends.

— Voice of Democracy

Audio Essay Contest for High School Students (Grades 9-12) Since 1947, the Voice of Democracy program has been the VFW’s premier scholarship competition, challenging high school students to write and record a 3-5 minute audio essay on an annual patriotic theme. This year’s theme is “How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?”

Local Post winners will advance to VFW District 7 (which includes Okmulgee, Henryetta, Eufaula, and McAlester), then on to the State of Oklahoma and finally the VFW National contest. The national grand prize is an impressive $35,000 scholarship.

— Key Details

• Open to students in grades 9-12 by Oct. 31

• Typed script and audio recording must be submitted

• Deadline: Oct. 31

• Essays will be judged on originality (35 pts), content (30 pts), and delivery (35 pts)

• No music, singing, poetry, or sound effects allowed

• Submissions must be anonymous within the essay — Patriot’s Pen

Written Essay Contest for Middle School Students (Grades 6-8) For younger students, the Patriot’s Pen competition offers a written essay opportunity, also centered on the same theme, “How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support for Our Country?”

This contest, open to students in grades 6-8, requires a 300-400 word essay, typed and submitted with an entry form. The national grand prize is $5,000, and every student who reaches the national level is guaranteed at least $500.

— Key Details

• Open to students in grades 6-8 by Oct. 31

• 300-400 word essay must be typed in English

• Deadline: Oct. 31

• Judging: Knowledge of theme (30 pts), Theme development (35 pts), Clarity of ideas (35 pts)

• No identifying information may appear in the essay — Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest (Grades 9-12) The VFW Auxiliary also hosts a Patriotic Art Contest for high school students in grades 9-12, encouraging artistic expression of patriotic themes. This competition awards over $30,000 in total scholarships nationally, with the first-place winner receiving $15,000.

— Key Details

• Open to students in grades 9-12

• Deadline to submit to a sponsoring Auxiliary: March 31, 2026

• Entries must be two-dimensional (canvas or paper)

• No digital art or photography allowed • Artwork must include a title and a short (≤250 word) artist statement

• American flags depicted must follow U.S. Flag Code

• Finalists’ work will be featured at national events and on VFW platforms – These programs are more than just competitions – they are a tribute to America’s veterans and a meaningful way for young people to reflect on patriotism, service, and sacrifice. Local VFW leaders note that students don’t need to be affiliated with a veteran or VFW member to participate. In fact, many past winners were first-time entrants with no prior connection to the VFW.

Entries from Okmulgee County students will be judged at the Post level, then advance through District 7, State of Oklahoma and National Headquarters. Winners will receive scholarships, plaques, and in many cases, invitations to special ceremonies or national events.

In addition, the VFW and Auxiliary are working with schools, libraries and youth organizations throughout the county to encourage participation and help students meet the deadlines.

— How to Enter

For full contest details, official entry forms and submission instructions:

• Call 479-414-0952 – A local representative is available to answer questions and connect students with the appropriate VFW or Auxiliary contact.

• Email inquiries can be sent to youthscholarships@vfw.org

• Find a VFW Post near you at www. vfw.org/FindaPost

• Entry forms and detailed rules are also available directly from VFW Post 539 in Henryetta and VFW Post 1189 in Okmulgee.

Selected essays and artwork will be published in 20 online newspapers affiliated with the Henryetta Online News network, offering students a unique opportunity to be recognized publicly for their efforts and contributions.

-Let’s make Okmulgee County proud by showing up strong in this year’s VFW competitions. Whether you’re a budding writer, an expressive artist, or someone with a powerful patriotic voice, your talent could earn you scholarships, recognition, and the chance to honor the brave men and women who’ve served our country.