Two patriotic scholarship competitions are available to Marion County students through Marion Veterans of Foreign Wars Post in Marion and Ladies Auxiliary.

An audio essay centers around the theme “Why veterans are important to our nation’s history and future.”

All private and public high school students are eligible and must write an essay to be recorded verbally for a time of 3 to 5 minutes.

The recording must feature the student reading the essay with no extraneous background noise or music. Applicants are asked to not identify themselves on the tape or in the essay, but include a wallet-sized shoulder-view photo and a printed copy of their essay when submitting the entry.

The Patriot’s Pen scholarship features a written essay for students grades sixth through eighth.

Students must submit a 300 to 400 word essay on the theme “Why I appreciate America’s veterans.”

Entry forms for both scholarships are available at school counselor offices and must be submitted by Nov. 1. Contact Bill Keith at (620) 382-3590 for more information.