It is an honor to serve as your Department Scholarship Chairman for the year 2023-2024. Each of our scholarships encourage patriotism, assist students in attaining an education, and help students reach their full potential. This increases VFW Auxiliary recognition while supporting our communities, students and members. I encourage each Auxiliary to host at least one event promoting our scholarships this year.
Continuing Education Scholarship:
Open to any Auxiliary member (who has been a member for at least one year), their spouse, or child with financial need. Entrant must be at least 21 years old, complete the application, and submit an essay of 300 words or less. The application must be received at National Headquarters by Feb. 15. Scholarships of $1,250 will be awarded to an applicant in each of the four Conferences. Applications are available from Department Scholarship Chairmen or in MALTA Member Resources.
Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest and 3-Dimensional Patriotic Art Contest:
Open to any student in grades 9-12 by the March 31 deadline who is enrolled in public, private, or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories, and possessions; or dependents of US Military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. U.S. citizenship is not required but students must be a lawful US permanent resident or have applied for permanent residency and intend to become a US citizen. Entries are judged on patriotic theme and technique. Auxiliary winners are due to the Department by April 15 (District Judging is OPTIONAL). Contest rules and entry forms can be obtained through the Scholarships section of MALTA or at VFWAuxiliary.org. Please note that the 3-Dimensional Art Contest is an additional scholarship and separate from the Young American Creative Art Contest.
Voice of Democracy Audio-Essay Contest:
2023-2024 Theme: “What are the greatest attributes of our Democracy?”
Open to students in grades 9-12 by the Oct. 31 deadline who is enrolled in public, private, or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories, and possessions; or dependents of US Military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. U.S. citizenship is not required but students must be a lawful US permanent resident or have applied for permanent residency and intend to become a US citizen. Contest rules and entry forms can be obtained through the Scholarships section of MALTA or at VFWAuxiliary.org. Post judging should be complete by Nov 15.
Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest:
2023-2024 Theme: “How are you inspired by America?”
Open to students in Grades 6-8, by Oct 31 deadline who is enrolled in public, private, or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories, and possessions; or dependents of US Military or civilian personnel in overseas schools. U.S. citizenship is not required but students must be a lawful US permanent resident or have applied for permanent residency and intend to become a US citizen. Contest rules and entry forms can be obtained through the Scholarships section of MALTA or at VFWAuxiliary.org. Post judging should be complete by Nov 15.
It is important that scholarship winners receive recognition at every level. There are many ways to recognize our winners, i.e., present a certificate or gift, host an awards ceremony, present awards at the school awards assembly, or contact local media to feature winners in the news.
You or your Auxiliary can donate to the Patriotic Art Escrow Fund by clicking on “Make a Gift” in MALTA and selecting Patriotic Art or mail checks earmarked Patriotic Art to:
VFW Auxiliary National Headquarters
ATTN: Patriotic Art Scholarship Fund
406 W 34th Street, 10th Floor
Kansas, City, MO 64111
Again, it is an honor to serve as your Scholarship Chairman. I look forward to working with each of you in the coming year. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Let’s have a great year and make Mississippi shine.
Beth Crow