HILLMAN — Another year has started for the VFW Post 2356 and its Auxiliary.

This scholarship year brings new themes. The Voice of Democracy theme is: “America: Where will we go from here?” This is a 3- to 5-minute essay on the theme, to be submitted on audio CD or flash drive. It is open to all students in grades 9-12 in public, private, parochial or home school programs.

National awards are scholarships of: First place — $30,000; Second place — $16,000; Third place — $10,000; 4th-36th place — $7,000 to $1,500; and 37th-53rd place — $1,000. Awards are also given on a local level of 1st through 3rd place of $100, $75 and $50. Awards are also given on a district level.

The Patriot Pen theme is “How can I be a good American?” which is open to all students in grades 6-8 enrolled in a public, private, parochial or home school program. Students write an original 300-word essay on the theme.

National awards are scholarships of: First place — $5,000; Second place — $4,000; Third place — $3,500; and 4th through 53rd place — $2,750 to $500. Awards are also given on a local level of 1st through 3rd place of $100, $75, and $50.

VOD and PP must be submitted to the VFW Auxiliary 2356 by October 31, 2021.

Teacher of the Year is open to all teaching staff. Nominations must be submitted to the VFW Auxiliary 2356 by October 31, 2021.

The Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest is open to all students in grades 9-12. To enter, you must be a U.S. citizen or a U.S. natural. They must attend school in the same state as the sponsoring VFW Auxiliary. Contact Ann Williams for an application at 989-217-0248 for all of the above scholarships.

Continuing Education is open to all Auxiliary members (who have been a member for at least a year) their spouse, son, or daughter. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older. They need to complete the application along with an essay of 300 words or less describing their commitment to their goals and how the scholarship will help them attain their stated goals. This is a $1,000. scholarship and there will be one winner in each of the four VFW Auxiliary Conferences.

Illustrating American Art is open to two categories: grades K-8 and grades 9-12. The youth must record the singing of the Star-Spangled Banner for this contest. Call 989-217-0248 for the entry form.