Scout of the Year

Some of our earliest ties to the community involve youth groups and perhaps none are stronger or more lasting than the relationship between the VFW and America's scouting organizations. In fact, our partnership with the Boy Scouts of America dates back to 1915 when VFW Post 2100 helped to establish Troop 1 in Everett, Washington.

Each year, the VFW National organization selects three young people who are: Eagle Scouts, Girl Scout Gold Award recipients, Venture Summit Award recipients and/or Sea Scout Quartermasters who have risen above their peers in exemplifying the qualities of that rank, and have demonstrated practical citizenship in school, scouting and the community. The VFW Scout of the Year three top scouts win each a scholarship with an amount dependent on final place in the competition.

How the Contest Works

VFW Post 1760 will select one winner from the entries received. Post 1760 will then submit their local winner to the Arizona VFW State Department by April 1. From there, the Arizona Department selects a winner and forwards the entry to the VFW National Headquarters by May 1 for national-level judging. Awards are as follows:

• $5,000 1st place National scholarship
• $3,000 2nd place National scholarship
• $1,000 3rd place National scholarship

Who Can Enter

• Scouts who are registered, active members of a Boy or Girl Scout Troop, Venturing Crew, or a Sea Scout Ship who have received the Eagle Scout Award, Girl Scout Gold Award, Venture Summit Award or Sea Scout Quartermaster Award.
• Scouts must be 15 years of age and have demonstrated practical citizenship in school, scouting and the community.
• Scouts must be enrolled in high school at the time of selection.
  Note: All applicants still in high school who reach their 18th birthday during the nomination year remain eligible if otherwise qualified.

How to enter - Documentation required

• Photograph of the Scout - Must be attached to the entry form. The Scout must appear in correct, complete uniform for their current rank. Recommended size 3" x 5".
• School Participation Record - A single page, one sided resume of the candidate's school activities indicating academic achievements, offices held, honors received and significant participation in other activities.
• Scouting Record - Maximum of three pages, one side only, listing of all Scouting participation beginning with Cub Scouts or Brownies - years of participation, unit numbers and sponsors. Also include when Eagle, Gold, Summit or Quartermaster Award was received and Palms. Identify leadership positions held at all levels, participation in Scouting activities (jamborees, Order of the Arrow, conferences, etc.) and the candidate's Eagle Scout, Girl Scout Gold Award, Venture Summit or Sea Scout Quartermaster Project.
• Community Service Record - A single page, one sided resume listing participation in community and religious service organizations (excluding Scouting and school), noting leadership positions held and any recognition received.
• Letters of Recommendation - Submit three letters, no more than two pages in length from:
  • A scout leader
  • A community member
  • A teacher/faculty member (if home-schooled, a parent letter is allowed)
  • In addition, you may include one or two additional letters, no more than two pages in length from local community members who have special knowledge of the candidate's abilities/accomplishments.
• Completed Entry Form - Submit Scout of the Year Entry Form to VFW Post 1760 no later than March 1st. Note: A Scout can enter through any ONE(1) VFW Post only.

For more information go to VFW Scout of the Year.