YOUTH AND EDUCATION

VFW Post 10194 is pleased to support patriotic education in our community via three core programs.
 
Voice of Democracy

The Voice of Democracy program is open to all students in the 9th through 12th grades.  Students are asked to prepare a 3 to 5 minute audio-only (MP3 only) recorded essay on the provided theme.  Entries must be in the hands of VFW Post 10194 before midnight on October 31st.  You can read more about the entry requirements including the entry form on the VFW website.   
 
This year's theme is "What a Veteran Taught Me About America.”

Helpful hints for a successful entry.
  • Use MP3 - audio only - as the file format. Video entries are not allowed.
  • Keep your essay focused on the assigned theme.
  • Use of AI will disqualify your entry.
  • Record your essay in a quiet place with no background noises, music, or distractions. Your school's choir or band department may have an acoustically quiet practice room that you could use.
  • Record your essay several times. Listen to your essay. Make adjustments. Presentation matters in this competition. Record your essay as many times as needed to get it right.
  • Do NOT include references to yourself including your name, parent's names, your school, or other location information.
  • This is not book report. Footnotes and other references aren't needed. We want to hear your thoughts on the assigned theme.
  • You may listen to past winners on the VFW.ORG website. Do not reference past winning essays in your essay.
  • Check the time of your essay. Ensure that you are well within that 3 to 5 minute time limit.
  • We need a quality "head and shoulders" photo. Wallet size. Your annual school photo will work perfectly.


Patriot's Pen

The Patriot's Pen program is open to all students in the 6th through 8th grades.  Students are asked to prepare a 300 to 400 word essay on the provided theme.  Entries must be in the hands of VFW Post 10194 before midnight on October 31st.  You can read more about the entry requirements including the entry form on the VFW website. 
 
This year's theme is "What a Veteran Taught Me About America.”

Helpful hints for a successful entry.
  • The essay is 300 to 400 words on a single piece of paper. Adjust your font size accordingly.
  • Keep your essay focused on the assigned theme.
  • Use of AI will disqualify your entry. You may use the spell check and grammar check functions.
  • Do NOT include references to yourself including your name, parent's names, your school, or other location information. This includes putting your name at the top of the page.
  • This is not book report. Footnotes and other references aren't needed. We want to read your thoughts on the assigned theme.
  • You may read past winning essays on the VFW.ORG website. Do not reference past winning essays in your essay.
  • Perform a "word count" on your essay to ensure that you are within the 300 to 400 word limit. Essays outside of that word count will be disqualified.
  • We need a quality "head and shoulders" photo. Wallet size. Your annual school photo will work perfectly.


Scout of the Year - VFW Post 10194 recognizes the achievements of senior scouts via the Scout of the Year Program.  We recognize one Eagle Scout, one Gold Award Scout, and one scout who has received either the Summit Award from Venture Scouting or the Quartermaster Award from Sea Scouting.  More information is available on the VFW Department of Michigan website.

Teacher of the Year - VFW Post 10194 recognizes a "Teacher of the Year" in the K-5, 6th through 8th grades, and 9th through 12th grades.  Teachers may be nominated by members of the community, other teachers, school administrators, and may also self-nominate.  Read more about the program on the VFW website. 
 
Contact information:
 
Post 10194 Youth Programs Chair - Dann Todd - 517-740-8454 -  danntodd(at)vfwmi.vet
Change the (at) for the @ in the email.