JAY — Commander Palmer Hebert and Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen Chairman John Dube of the Frank L. Mitchell Post 3335 and Gail Kerns-Dube, co-chairperson of the Ladies Auxiliary, announced the kick-off of this year’s scholarship contests.

Voice of Democracy

Voice of Democracy is a patriotic three- to five-minute audio/essay on a tape or CD. There must be a typed copy of the essay and a completed entry form in order to submit the essay. This year’s theme is “Why I’m optimistic about our nation’s future.”

The contest is open to all students enrolled in public, private, parochial high school or home schooled in the United States, its territories and possessions or in an overseas U.S. military/civilian dependent school in grades 9-12. Winners receive awards from Post, District and State levels.

Plus on the National level each state winner is brought to Washington D.C., to tour the city and compete for $152,000 in scholarships, with the first-place winner receiving a $30,000 scholarship; second, $16,000; third, $10,000; fourth through 31st place, $7,000 to $1,500; and remaining winners, $1,000.

The deadline is Nov. 1.

Patriot’s Pen

The Patriot’s Pen Contest is open to students in grades 6 through 8. This is an essay of 300 to 400 words in English. All words count, even single-letter words. Winners receive awards on Post, District and State level. The top 46 National winners all receive at least a $1,000 award. The top National prize is $5,000 and an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., where they tour the city.

This year’s theme for Patriot’s Pen is “What patriotism means to me.” The deadline is Nov. 1.

Continuing education

The Continuing Education Scholarship is open to Ladies Auxiliary members, spouses, daughters or sons, 18 years or older.

This contest requires applicants to complete the application and submit a typed essay of 300 words or fewer. One $1,000 scholarship will be presented in each of the four Ladies Auxiliary Conferences. Entries must be received by Feb. 15.

Patriotic Art

The Young American Creative Patriotic Art contest is for students in grades 9-12. This contest requires students to submit their art on paper or canvas. Digital art is not accepted. Judging is based on originality of concept, presentation, patriotism, clarity of ideas, the design technique, total impact of work and uniqueness. Deadline is March 31.