MARQUETTE — Conducted nationwide, the Voice of Democracy and Patriot Pen youth essay allows students who are enrolled in public, private, parochial school or home study programs an opportunity to record an audio essay, on a flash drive, typed essay and a completed entry form to their VFW Post by Oct. 31.

Participants for the Patriot Pen are 6th, 7th and 8th grade students. Their theme this year is, “How are you inspired by America?” The participants for Voice of Democracy are 9thh to 12th grade. Their theme this year is’“What are the greatest attributes of our Democracy?”

The essay can be 3 to 5 minutes long.

Prizes and scholarships will be awarded at the Post, District, State and National level. State winners of the voice of Democracy will receive an all expense-paid trip to Washington D.C .and receive their portion of $171,000 in national awards, the top scholarship being $35,000.

Patriot Pen winners are also awarded prizes and scholarships at the various levels with a first place winner receiving $5,000.

Entry forms have been distributed to area schools and there are forms available at the Ishpeming Library. Post 4573 in Ishpeming is located at 310 Bank St. and the phone number is 906-486-4856.