Local Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7507 has rolled out, once again, the national Voice of Democracy (grades 9-12), Patriot’s Pen (grades 6-8) and Teacher of the Year (grades K-12) patriotic essay contests.

These contests are open to all students enrolled in public, private, parochial or home study programs.

The Voice of Democracy theme for 2014-15 is “Why veterans are important to our nation’s history and future.” The first-place national winner will receive a $30,000 scholarship to an American university, college or vocational/ technical school and each state winner will receive an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. in March, 2015.

The Patriot’s Pen theme for 2014-15 is “Why I appreciate America’s veterans.”

The first place national winner will receive a $5,000 prize and an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. in March.

The Teacher of the Year can be nominated by fellow teachers, supervisors, parents or other interested individuals.

Three teachers will be recognized by the VFW and receive $1,000 in addition to the school receiving $1,000 along with an all-expense paid trip to receive their award.

Details and entry forms will be distributed at each school by participating teachers – Fountain Hills High School, Fountain Hills Middle School and Fountain Hills Charter School.

The post representative will pick up entries at the schools by Nov. 1.

For all interested, eligible students who are in private schooling or home schooling in Fountain Hills or do not have a participating teacher in the Fountain Hills School District, forms and instructions can be located at www.vfw.org (under Community tab and Programs).

The essays and entry forms deadline for submission is Nov. 1 to the local VFW Post 7507 (contact Phil Yin at 836-7917 or at philyin@msn.com) for details on how to submit an entry directly to Post 7507.

Finalists of each essay contest and Teacher of the Year will be honored at an evening award celebration in early 2015 in Fountain Hills.