The Department of New York Veterans of Foreign Wars has announced their scholarship program for 2022-23.

¯ The Patriots Pen essay contest is a 300- to 400-word typed essay. The theme is “My pledge to our veterans.” This is for grades six to eight and must be at the post by Oct. 31.

¯ A Voice of Democracy audio essay contest is for grades nine to 12. The theme is “Why is the veteran important.” It must be at the post by Oct. 31.

¯ Young creative patriotic art contest and three-demenssional creative artwork for grades nine to 12 will be judged on Patriotic theme creativity and technique. Entries must be at the post by March 31.

Continuing education is open to any VFW auxiliary member who has been a member at least one year. They must be at least 18 years old, complete the application and submit an essay of 300 words or less describing their commitment to their goals.

Applicants can get any of the applications at www.vfwauxiliary.org/scholarships

¯ Under the youth program, Get excited for the Red, White and Blue, is opened to youth in all grades to 12. Rules must do a solo vocal performance of the “Star Spangled Banner” and must be recorded between July 1 and March 31, 2023. Applicants may sing cappella, with backing tracks or instruments. The words cannot be changed.

¯ Illustrating America art contest for grades kindergarten to eight. The contest is divided into three grades kindergarten to second grade, third to fifth, and six to eight. Entries will be judges on patriotic theme and technique. Contest rules must be two dimensional, be on canvas or paper, water color, pencil, pastel, charcoal, tempera, crayon, acrylic, pen, ink marker or media may be used. Submit canvas entries on a stretcher frame or canvas board. Other entries must be matted in white or reinforced with heavy paper. Art should be no smaller than 8 by 10 and no larger than 18 by 24 not including mat. Deadline to auxiliary March 31,2023.

If you have any questions please feel free to call Pat at 716-341-1328 and leave a message.

These programs are for area schools.