Veterans of Foreign Wars post 3838 and Ladies Auxiliary is sponsoring the two essay contests, according to a release Tuesday. Middle school students grades six through eight are eligible to compete for the chance to win $5,000 in the "Patriot's Pen" essay contest. Students are invited to write a 300-400 word essay on the patriotic theme, "What I would tell America's Founding Fathers."

High school students are eligible to win a $30,000 scholarship and a trip to Washington, D.C. in the "Voice of Democracy" scholarship competition. Students must write and record a three to five minute essay on the theme, "Is our Constitution still relevant?" on audio cassette or compact disc and present their recording and a typed copy to the VFW post.

Deadline for both contests is Thursday, Nov 1. To enter or for more information contact VFW Post 3838 at 573-979-5251, or write VFW Post 3838, 1049 N. Kingshighway, Cape Girardeau, Mo., 63701.

Pertinent address: VFW Post 3838, 1049 N. Kingshighway, Cape Girardeau