Veterans of Foreign Wars wants local youth to get a head start on its upcoming essay contests for children in grades three through 12.

The youth essay contest is for children in grades three through 5. The theme is “What is an American?”

Youth in grades six through eight may enter the Patriots Pen contest by writing an essay on the theme “Are you proud of your country?”

The Voice of Democracy Scholarship Program is the contest for youth in grades nine through 12. The theme for this program is “Is there pride in serving in our military?”

The entry deadline for all contests is Nov. 1. Local winners will be announced in November, district winners in December and state winners will be announced in January.

Entry forms and information are available at www.vfwofwa.org/programs.html.