2025 Post 3513 Patriot's Pen Winners

2025 VFW Post 3513 Patriots' Pen Winners

Priya B. Curley Post 3513 Patriot’s Pen 1st Place Winner

We are proud to recognize Priya B . Curley, an outstanding 8th grade student from BASIS Scottsdale, who earned 1st Place in the VFW Post 3513 Patriot’ Pen youth scholarship competition and advanced to District 4 level judging. This marks Priya’s second year participating, and her continued growth and dedication truly shine through in her work.

Priya is a remarkable young leader who always puts forth her best effort and continues to reach new heights of success. We are confident that she will be a strong contender if she chooses to join us next year in the VFW Voice of Democracy scholarship competition, and we strongly encourage her to do so.

Beyond her scholarship achievements, Priya excels in poetry, speech and debate, JV tennis, and musical theater production, while also contributing her time to numerous community outreach programs. Her insight and inspiration, reflected so beautifully in her essay, remind us that the future is bright in the hands of her generation. Thank you, Priya, for giving us hope and for sharing your voice with the VFW.

Below is Priya’s essay.

How Are You Showing Patriotism and Support For Our Country?

America’s democracy was formed slowly and then quickly. The Declaration of

Independence was a pivotal point in 1776. However, there were signs of change dating back to the 1600s. The drafting and ratification of the constitution took a long 12 years, with its final completion in 1788. Our country is rapidly approaching our 250th anniversary. As with any important milestone, it is imperative to not only look forward to what we can become, but to also retrospectively analyze our successes and failures.

I wonder, as a young girl myself, what I can do for patriotism to support our great country. I realize I am still too young to run for office. But one of the most valuable things I can do is simple - I can read. Reading voraciously and consistently and unapologetically, learning about how we got where we are as a country, warts and all, is so powerful.

The journey towards an evolving and improving democracy is not a straight line without pitfalls and mistakes. I had the privilege of traveling to Hiroshima, Japan and was able to learn firsthand about one of America’s most monumental decisions - dropping two atomic bombs to end the world war.

I witnessed the devastation it caused and reflected with hindsight. Millions of people

suffered and died. Women and children ran for their lives. Entire cities were left in ruin. I looked up in awe and horror, seeing the A-bomb dome, the only structure left standing after the bombing. I tried to put myself into the shoes of the decision makers at the time. Sometimes, incredibly difficult decisions leave us with no right or perfect answer. Only hindsight can provide answers as to whether our decision provides lasting change.

I learned that the dropping of the bombs resulted in global change. The world agreed that the devastation caused by those bombs needed to be averted at all costs, and nuclear pacts were agreed upon to keep our world safe. No bombs have been dropped since that time. The world has remained safe from needing to make such critical decisions again.

The growth of our country is similar to my own; I am constantly learning, and in doing so,

growing. Mistakes are expected and need to be viewed as learning opportunities. They should not be erased from our memories. Only through looking honestly retrospectively are we able to move forward compassionately.

FAITH L. WRIGHT Post 3513 Patriot’s Pen 2nd Place Winner

Faith L. Wright, an 8th-grade student at Paradise Honors Middle School, has shown strong patriotism and civic pride through her participation in the VFW Patriots’ Pen Essay Contest. Over her three years of eligibility, she has represented her school and community with distinction and sincerity.

This year, Faith earned 2nd Place at VFW Post 3513, a notable achievement given the post’s strong participation of more than fifteen entries. Her essay advanced her to the District level, where she secured another 2nd Place among competitive peers.

It has been an honor to review Faith’s Patriots’ Pen entries over the years. Her work displays insight, maturity, and a true appreciation for her country, highlighting her character and potential. Post 3513 members commend her dedication and talent, and we look forward to her Voice of Democracy audio essay.

Faith embodies the values of respect, responsibility, and patriotism that the Veterans of Foreign Wars promotes among youth. Her accomplishments bring pride to her community, school, and the VFW.

Below is her Essay.

How Am I Showing Patriotism and Support For Our Country?

Being a proud American citizen is more than just liking your country; it's about understanding the sacrifices and responsibilities that come with being a part of it. It's about honoring those who built its foundation, contributed to its broadening, and worked to make America better for future generations to come. I show my support and gratitude towards the country with simple everyday actions. I educate myself and others on America's vast history. Finally, showing respect and kindness for the symbols, traditions, and citizens America holds.

One of the most effective ways I show patriotism is through my everyday actions. Something simple as standing for the pledge of Allegiance shows my support and unity towards our country. In addition, when I pick up trash or recycle, this can influence others as well to keep our land clean. Community strength is national strength. These simple actions strengthen the idea of patriotism and support reinforced in our communities.

Education is a powerful tool students can use to better themselves and their country. By taking my history classes seriously, I learn about American history, culture, making a commitment to understanding the meanings my nation holds. I've taken time to learn about patriotic holidays and heroes that have shaped our country into what it is now. Visiting museums, landmarks, and memorials to honor those who have served fosters a more complete and essential appreciation of America's vast history. Today I use my knowledge to help educate others on our nation's past.

Respect and kindness for symbols, traditions, and people also holds a crucial part of my patriotism. I show my respect towards veterans, active military members, and first responders, thanking them for their service. I try to be considerate and kind to everyone around me, making sure that I treat everyone equally and with care. I respect the laws and rules that have been set to ensure that everyone is safe and everything runs smoothly.

To me, being American is one of the greatest blessings. I strive every day to make our country a better place with everyday actions. My education and advocacy of America's past show my interest and commitment. Finally, respect shown to symbols, traditions, and people from me every day can make a difference. Overall, my dedication to patriotism and support, focused on my community, knowledge, and appreciation, is the most significant way that I try my best to support our nation.

ANDREW R. TYSON Post 3513 Patriot’s Pen 3rd Place Winner

Andrew R. Tyson, an outstanding 8th-grade student at BASIS Scottsdale, achieved third place in the VFW Post 3513 Patriots’ Pen Essay Competition. This was his first entry into the VFW Youth Scholarship Program, and he performed exceptionally well. The competition was strong and closely contested, with only a narrow margin separating the top three essays.

Andrew is one of the most impressive students we have met—polite, thoughtful, and filled with genuine optimism. His leadership potential shines, and there is no doubt he will inspire and lift those around him as he continues to grow.

All of us at VFW Post 3513 are proud of his achievement and look forward to seeing him participate in our Youth Scholarship Program again, including the Voice of Democracy competition next year.

Below is his Essay

HOW AM I SHOWING PATRIOTISM AND SUPPORT FOR OUR COUNTRY?

One of the most effective ways I show patriotism is through my everyday actions. Something as simple as standing for the Pledge of Allegiance shows my support and unity towards our country. In addition, when I pick up trash or recycle, it can influence others to keep our land clean as well. Community strength is national strength. These simple actions strengthen the idea of patriotism and support reinforced in our communities.

Education is a powerful tool that students can use to better themselves and their country. By taking my history classes seriously, I learn about American history and culture, making a commitment to understanding the meanings my nation holds. I've taken time to learn about patriotic holidays and heroes that have shaped our country into what it is now. Visiting museums, landmarks, and memorials to honor those who have served fosters a more complete and essential appreciation of America's vast history. Today, I use my knowledge to help educate others about our nation's past.

Respect and kindness for symbols, traditions, and people also hold a crucial part of my patriotism. I show my respect towards veterans, active military members, and first responders, thanking them for their service. I try to be considerate and kind to everyone around me, making sure that I treat everyone equally and with care. I respect the laws and rules that have been set to ensure that everyone is safe and that everything runs smoothly.

To me, being American is one of the greatest blessings. I strive every day to make our country a better place with everyday actions. My education and advocacy of America's past show my interest and commitment. Finally, the respect shown to symbols, traditions, and people by me every day can make a difference. Overall, my dedication to patriotism and support, focused on my community, knowledge, and appreciation, is the most significant way that I try my best to support our nation.