Valley Vista High School student Malaiya Russell received a National Merit Award for her Patriot’s Pen Essay, “How Does America Inspire Me?”

Malaiya was recently recognized by Senior Vice Commander Gregory Akers and Quarter Master Todd Edgar of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 285.

Conducted nationwide, the Patriot’s Pen essay competition gives students in sixth through eighth grades the opportunity to write essays expressing their views on an annual patriotic theme.

This past year’s prompt was, “How Are You Inspired by America?”

More than 138,000 students participate nationwide in the annual Patriot’s Pen Contest that encourages young minds to examine America’s history, along with their own experiences in modern American society.

Malaiya represented the VFW Post 12098, and was awarded the $500 Department of Pennsylvania 2015-16 “LDRSHIP” Award.

Prior to this award, she was previously recognized as the first-place winner for VFW Post 12098, District 3 and at the state level for her essay in the 2023-2024 school year.

Below is an excerpt from her winning essay:

“Our country is built off courage, perseverance, and unbeatable determination to be whoever you want. When you’re able to be free in your jobs, education, and your everyday life that’s where inspiration comes. America has been an enthusiastic lantern of opportunity and hope for newcomers globally. The importance of America can’t be overlooked — inspiring not only U.S citizens, but also foreigners.

The VFW is dedicated to promoting patriotism and investing in the future generation and is currently accepting applications for the Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen contests for this year through Oct. 31.

Learn more at vfw.org/community/youth-and-education/youth-scholarships.