EDWARD HAMILTON, CHAIRMAN
1255 Pecan Place
Chula Vista, CA 91911
(619) 585-3886

YOUTH ESSAY PROGRAM

Theme “ IS FREEDOM REALY FREE?”

PROGRAM OVERVIEW AND GUIDELINES

     The National Youth Essay Program is an essay Contest conduc ted nationwide by VFW Posts and Auxiliaries. This contest gives students in the 7th and 8th grades the opportunity to express their opinion on an announced theme and improve their writing skills, while they compete for worthwhile awards and prizes. Any student attending public, private or parochial schools with the exception of Exchange Students are eligible to participate in the Youth Essay Program. Students will compete for a $10,000 Savings Bond and an all-expense paid trip to the National
Convention.

     A complete program guidebook will be made available to each Post and District Commander and Chairman explaining the details of the program. I encourage each Commander and Chairman to pay attention to the specifics of the program and to utilize the vario us materials available to promote the program within the guidebook.

DEADLINES AND REPORTING

Student Entries due                December 1, 2001
Post Judging due                    January 15, 2002
District Judging due                February 5, 2002

     It is the Chairman’s responsibility to keep records of their contest participation. Post Chairman should forward your students essay, and completed official entry form to your District Youth Activities Chairman as soon as possible after completing your Post judging, but no later than January 15, 2002. I also ask that each Commander pay special attention to ensure that the Official Entry form is completed. This will ensure the proper credit is applied for participation in the program. District chairmen should complete your judging by February 5, 2002 and forward the students winning essay, entry form and photograph along with a completed District Youth Essay Report Form and District Summary Report to the State Chairman no later than February 14, 2002.