Two patriotic essay competitions are available to Marion County students.
The Voice of Democracy audio essay completion will feature entries from high school students enrolled in public, private, or home study programs. Students must complete an essay on the theme “Why I’m Optimistic About our Nation’s Future,” then record their reading to a CD. The recording should be no shorter than 3 minutes and no longer than 5 minutes. The recording should have no extraneous background noise, music, or sound effects. Special consideration will be taken for hearing or speech-impaired students.
Students cannot identify themselves or their school in their speech.
The recording and typed version of the speech, completed application form, and shoulder view photo, should be submitted to the Marion VFW Post 6958 by Nov. 1.
Entry forms are available at the Marion High School counselor’s office or at the Marion County Record office. Contact Bill Keith at (620) 381-3590 or Donna Kreutziger at (620) 382-2931 or donnakreutziger@yahoo.com for more information.
Students who win locally will advance to regionals where they will have a chance to advance to state.
The second essay competition, Patriot’s Pen, only requires a written essay.
Students sixth through eighth grades can submit essays on the theme “What Patriotism Means to Me.”
The essays must be between 300 and 400 words, and will be judged on contestant’s knowledge of the theme and use of research.
Winners will receive U.S. savings bonds and can enter by submitting a completed entry form, essay, and shoulder view photo by Nov. 1 at Marion VFW post.
Entry forms can be obtained from the councilor’s office. Contact Bill Keith at (620) 381-3590 or Donna Kreutziger at (620) 382-2931 or donnakreutziger@yahoo.com, for more information.