The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States is holding its annual youth essay competitions for Georgia students.

The Patriot’s Pen Youth Essay and Voice of Democracy Oratory Essay competition are designed to help promote patriotic thinking and essay-writing skills, according to Michael McMahon of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Students in grades sixth to eighth are given a patriotic theme and may write a 300-400 word essay built around the theme.

The oratorical essay competition is open to students in grades nine through 12. Students must develop and record a three to five minute essay built around the theme.

Winners at all levels will be entered into the national competitions, where they will compete for scholarship money.

Deadline for submissions at the school level is Nov. 1. Entry forms should be distributed at the school level by the local VFW post at the beginning of the school year.

For more information, contact district_2@mcmahon-ga.net.

The VFW post that covers Dawson County is post 9143, and its mailing address is 1045 Dahlonega Highway, Cumming, GA 30040.