VFW Post 8138, Sisters, sponsors three local veterans’ contests during the 2022-2023 school year: Patriot Pen (Sisters Middle School); Voice of Democracy; and Patriotic Arts Award at Sisters High School. A Teacher/District Employee of the Year Award is also offered.

The Patriot Pen essay contest is offered annually to Sisters Middle School/homeschooled students. The contest is open to all sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade students. This year’s Patriot Pen theme is “My Pledge to Our Veterans.” All entries must follow the rules stated in the application. Local prize is $400, with possible eligibility to District 10, state, and national competition. This year the national award is $10,000.

Post 8138 also sponsors the Voice Of Democracy essay contest annually at Sisters High School, and for high school-age homeschooled students. The contest is open to all ninth-, 10th-, 11th-, and 12th-grade students. This year’s theme is “Why Is the Veteran Important?” Local first-place prize is $400.

All entries must follow the rules stated in the application. All applications for Patriot Pen and Voice of Democracy are due to local Post 8138 by October 25 to be eligible for the first-place monetary award. Winner of the local prize will be entered in the VFW District 10 local contest and will be eligible for the state and national contest. The national award is an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., with a monetary award of $30,000.

The Patriotic Arts Award for high school age runs December 2022 to March 2023. You can submit your entry (postmarked by October 21) by mailing essay/removable disc and completed application to: VFW Post 8138, PO Box 682 Sisters, OR 97759. Or, submit entry to school leadership teacher Jeff Schiedler (Sisters Middle School), or Rick Kroytz (Sisters High School), or contact Bill Anttila, VFW Post Service Officer at 541-549-1132 or 805-231-2374, or email [email protected]

All Patriot Pen and Voice of Democracy applications and essays are due through any of the above methods by October 25.