Voice of Democracy – Post 8870
Application Deadline: October 31, 2025
Eligibility: Students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (for which the application has not been denied) and intend to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity.
- Open to students in grades 9-12 enrolled by Oct. 31st deadline
- Submit a 3-5 minute audio and written eassy
- This year’s theme is, “How are you showing patriotism and support for our country?”
- National Prize is currently $35,000
Patriot’s Pen – Post 8870
Application Deadline: October 31, 2025
Eligibility: Students must be lawful U.S. permanent residents or have applied for permanent residence (for which the application has not been denied) and intend to become a U.S. citizen at the earliest opportunity.
- Open to 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students
- Enrolled by Oct. 31st deadline
- Submit a 300-400 word essay
- This year’s theme is, “How are you showing patriotism and support for our country?”
- National Prize is currently $5,000
Youth Essay Program
State Youth Essay Program Rules and Regulations Grades 3-4-5
- Participants must compose their own essay.
- The essay must be clearly handwritten, typed or computer prepared,
- Judging will be under the guidance set by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Judging will include 30 points for addressing the theme, 30 points for clarity of Ideas, 40 points for Theme Development.
- Since this program is completely voluntary, a student does not have to go through his/her school to participate. Any student from _any school in the State of Washlngton may enter the program by contacting a local Post or Auxiliary for rules and Official Entry form. Home Schooled students are also eligible.
- A copy of the Official Entry form must accompany the essay. All sections of the official entry form MUST be completed at the Post/Auxiliary level. Entry forms MUST be signed by a parent
- AU essays become the property of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of Washington. If copies are desired, you must make your own. Chairman wm not return essays.
- Contest begins at the start of the school year.
- Length: Not to exceed 250 words.
- Student’s Name, City, or School MUST NOT be on the essay, only on the entry form.
- Essay must stay within the prescribed subject matter and there can be NO added color or artwork.
- Essay written ln poem form will not be accepted.
When you are done, submit everything that is required to:
Youth Essay Program VFW Post 8870
PO Box701
Edmonds, WA 98020
Essays due to local Post/Auxiliary by: October 31
Any Essay not received by the deadline will not be accepted.
James Traner Memorial Scholarship
The deadline for the submission of the application and supporting materials is April 15, 2026. Students will be notified of their selection status prior to their high school’s spring awards program.
High School Student qualifications and rules include:
- Having at least one sibling, parent, or grandparent that is a United States Military Veteran.
- Graduate from one of the high schools within the Edmonds or Mukilteo Public School
Districts or: - Students residing within the Mukilteo or Edmonds Public School Districts, but attend
private schools or are home schooled, are also eligible to apply. - Each of the four scholarships will be awarded to seniors who will be enrolling full time at an
accredited vocational, technical, college, or university in the fall, 2026 semester or quarter.
Students are required to submit:
- VFW Post 8870 “James Traner Memorial Scholarship” form.
- An official transcript of their high school academic record.
- A resume that lists the high school activities in which they participated.
- Contact and conduct an in-person interview with any U.S. Military Veteran
- Compose and type a 300-500-word essay based on that interview.
Eligibility: Student must be a senior in High School and have a sibling, parent, or grandparent that is a US Military Veteran. Submit a 300-500 word essay based on an interview with any US Military Veteran.
Donald Stapleton
E-Mail: scholarships@vfw8870.org
VFW Post 8870
P.O. Box 701
Edmonds, Washington 98020