The Veterans of Foreign Wars in the CNMI is kicking off its outreach to schools with three contests that target both students and teachers\u2014all aimed at creating a better understanding of America\u2019s history and patriotism.<\/p>\n
According to Joey McDoulett, commander of VFW Post 3457, the educational programs that are currently in the works are \u201cVoice of Democracy\u201d and \u201cPatriot\u2019s Pen\u201d for students and \u201cTeachers Award\u201d for teachers.<\/p>\n
These programs are part of the National VFW Scholarship and Award Programs, which began in 1947.<\/p>\n
The \u201cVoice of Democracy\u201d is a voice-essay contest while the Patriot\u2019s Pen is a written essay and the Teacher\u2019s Award recognizes teachers from across the nation.<\/p>\n
The theme for \u201cVoice of Democracy\u201d asks the question: \u201cIs This the Country the Founders Envisioned?\u201d Students in Grades 9 through 12 can join by completing the entry form and recording original 3- to 5-minute voice essay, either on a flash drive or audio CD.<\/p>\n
For students in Grades 6 to 8, they can join the \u201cPatriot\u2019s Pen\u201d competition by writing an essay that answers the question, \u201cWhat is patriotism to me?\u201d Complete the entry form and write an essay in English, no more or no less than 300 to 400 typewritten words with no color or graphics.<\/p>\n
For the \u201cSmart\/Maher Teacher Award,\u201d students from K-5, 6-8 and 9-12 can nominate teachers who teach citizenship education for a least half of the school day in a classroom environment and promote America\u2019s history, traditions and institutions effectively. The students are required to write 350 words or less to explain why you feel the nominee should be selected. Students must complete entry form and judging is completed first at the post level (Saipan), next at the district level (Marianas), and then against other entries from posts in Asia. <\/p>\n
\u201cThese programs are very special as they promote not just history and patriotism, but they also touch on traditions, institutions, civic responsibility and flag etiquette,\u201d said McDoulett. \u201cVFW goes to great lengths to help the community and encourage thoughtful discourse about our country.\u201d<\/p>\n
The National Voice of Democracy winner receives a $30,000 scholarship and the Patriot\u2019s Pen winner receives a $5,000 award. The deadline for these programs is on Oct. 31, 2020.<\/p>\n
For more information, call Mariano Fajardo at (670) 285-0613 or you can drop off entries at the VFW Post 3457 on Palm St. in Garapan after 4pm. Additional entry forms are available online at www.vfw.org under \u201cCommunity\u201d subtitled \u201cPrograms.\u201d Go here: http:\/\/www.vfw.org\/Community\/Programs\/.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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