Scholarships: Recognition & Awards

Kim Lewis
2015-2016 Scholarships
National Ambassador


Post judging of the Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen contests is complete. While we wait to see which entries made it as a District and Department winner, it’s time to give thanks at every level and recognize those who entered the contest. Work with your VFW to decide if you are going to give winners a certificate, a check or gift card, or even a simple thank you card, but make sure you do something. RECOGNITION IS IMPORTANT.

The VFW Store has a wide variety of items to recognize and award your top winners.  Go to http://www.vfwstore.org/category/programs/voiceofdemocracy and see all the wonderful items that can be ordered for your Voice of Democracy winners, two of which are listed below:

• VOD Certificate of Merit, V-1, Product Code: 04362 is for school winners and runners-up. The citation reads: "Voice of Democracy Certificate of Merit presented to __________ In recognition of excellence in the Voice of Democracy Audio Essay Competition, you have been designated AN OUTSTANDING SPOKESPERSON FOR FREEDOM.  In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands and the official seal of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States." There are three signature lines (Commander/President, Adjutant/Secretary, Chairman) and a date of presentation line.  
• VOD Award Citation, V-2, Product Code: 04363 are award citations for helping individuals and organizations.  

Likewise, go to http://www.vfwstore.org/category/programs/patriotspen to see all the certificates and gifts that can be ordered for your Patriot’s Pen winners, one of which is listed below:

• Patriot's Pen Certificate of Merit, Product Code: 04328, reads: "Youth Essay Certificate of Merit presented to ___________ In recognition of excellence in the Patriot's Pen Youth Essay Competition, you have been designated AN OUTSTANDING YOUNG SPOKESPERSON OF THE FUTURE.  In witness whereof, we have hereunto set our hands and the official seal of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States." There are three signature lines Commander/President, Adjutant/Secretary, Chairman) and a date of presentation line.

Remember to notify local media about the winners and/or invite them to your upcoming awards ceremony; they love to recognize local students’ efforts. If they don’t show up, make sure to take a picture and submit it to your local newspaper along with a write-up listing everyone's name, the names of the contests, and the scholarship award amounts. This is free publicity and lets the community know about our contests and these talented students!

While you are presenting Voice of Democracy and Patriots's Pen awards, don’t forget to interest these students in another scholarship opportunity, the Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest.

Wishing you and your families a very Happy Thanksgiving. Don’t forget to hug a veteran and say “Thank you for your service.”