Conducted nationwide, the VFW sponsored Patriot's Pen essay competition gives sutdents an opportunity to write essays expressing their views on democracy with the prospect of winning money for college.  The program is open to students in grades 6-8, who are enrolled in a public, private or parochial school or home study program in the United States and its territories.  The deadline for the 2012-2013 program is November 1, 2012.  The theme for this year is "What I Would Tell America's Founding Fathers." The first place award is $5,000 plus an all expense padi trip to Washington, DC for the winner and a parent/guardian.