VFW Post 7105 is seeking local entries for its Patriot's Pen and Voice of Democracy student competitions, along with nominations for the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award.

The deadline for all three programs is Oct. 31.

Patriot's Pen is open to students in grades 6-8. Participants must submit a 300- to 400-word written essay on this year's theme, "What a Veteran Taught Me About America." The national first-place winner will receive $5,000. Voice of Democracy is open to students in grades 9-12. Participants must submit a 3- to 5-minute audio essay on the same theme, along with a typed copy of the essay.