The New York Mills VFW Post 3289 and its Auxiliary are sponsoring the annual Patriot’s Pen and Voice of Democracy essay contests for students in NY Mills School. Home school students in the district are also encouraged to enter the contest. Entries must be submitted to the elementary or high school offices by Wednesday, Oct. 25.

The Patriot’s Pen contest encourages local seventh and eighth grade students to write 300-400 words discussing this year’s topic, “How are You Inspired by America?” The national prize for this essay includes $5,000 and an all-expense paid trip to Washington D.C. Local prizes will also be awarded by Post 3289.

The Voice of Democracy audio-essay contest is open to students in grades 9-12. Entries must be prepared and recorded on an audio CD or a flash drive with a 3-5 minute speech on the topic “What are the Greatest Attributes of our Democracy?” The national prize for this essay includes $30,000 and an all-expense paid trip to Washington D.C. as well as local prizes by Post 3289.

Information and entry forms will be available at the NY Mills school. Interested parties are also encouraged to call Auxiliary Member Dolly Tumberg at (218) 639-3055.