By Fred M. Apgar

Edmonds VFW Post 8870 is holding its annual  essay contest, open to students residing in the Edmonds and Mukilteo public school districts. (Students attending private schools or being home-schooled are eligible to enter the contest.)

The youth essay contest, open to grades 3-5, requires an essay of not more than 250 words that addresses the topic “How Do I Show My Love For My Country?”  Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three essay winners in each of the three grade levels.

Students in grades 6-8 are eligible to enter the Patriot’s Pen program in which a 300- to 400-word written essay on the topic, “What I Would Tell America’s Founding Fathers”.  Cash prizes are awarded to the 1st-, 2nd- and 3rd- place winning essays.

“Voice of Democracy” — the third program — is an audio essay contest for students in grades 9-12. To enter, a student must prepare a 3- to 5-minute recording that addresses the topic, “Is Our Constitution Still Relevant?”  Cash prizes will be awarded to the three entries judged to be the best. The winning entries in each of the three contests will be forwarded to the District level for further consideration.     

Detailed instructions as well as an entry form that must accompany each submission, can be obtained by visiting the Post’s website. Go to the Student Essay Program tab, and you will be able to download the information for your grade level. All contest entries, along with the completed entry form must be submitted to VFW Post 8870 no later than Nov. 1, 2012.

Youth Essay and Patriot Pen entries may be submitted via email to scholarships@vfw8870.org or they can be mailed to VFW Post #8870, PO Box 701, Edmonds, WA 98020. Voice of Democracy entries must be mailed to the Post.

Questions regarding the Student Essay Program can be directed to contest coordinator Captain James “Rock” Roth at 206-533-9873.