Dedicated to promoting patriotism and investing in the future generation, the Fountain Hills VFW Post 7507 is promoting the annual Patriot’s Pen Essay contest for sixth through eighth grade students.

The Voice of Democracy Audio-Essay is for high school students.

The theme of the Voice of Democracy essay is “Is America Today Our Forefathers’ Vision?” and the theme of the Patriot’s Pen is “My Voice in America’s Democracy.”

High school students interested in earning a $35,000 college scholarship and middle school students interested in earning $5,000 are invited to apply.

Last year, BASIS Scottsdale high school junior Sophia Lin won the Voice of Democracy award and the $35,000 scholarship last year, according to a press release.

Essays for both programs are due to VFW Post 7507 no later than Thursday, Oct. 31.

For more information, contact program Coordinator Boe James at vfw7507@yahoo.com or by calling 480-836-5520.

More information on both programs including word-count and entry forms can be found at vfw.org/community/youth-and-education/youth-scholarships.