Each year, more than 3,500 high school students from across the country participate in the VFW Auxiliary’s Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest.
The contest began in 1979 to recognize up-and-coming artists and encourage patriotism in youth. Participation is open to any student in grades 9-12 who is a U.S. citizen or U.S. National who is enrolled in a public, private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States.
The student with the winning artwork at the national level receives a $10,000 scholarship.
The Atmore Memorial VFW Auxiliary to Post 7016 encouraged students across Escambia County to participate in the program. This is the Auxiliary’s second year to participate in the national program.
At the awards banquet held in Atmore on Tuesday, May 16, Neelee Harrison from T.R. Miller High School received $100 for her first place submission. Her artwork went on to complete at the state level, but unfortunately did not advance to national competition. Ariell Fain, also from T.R. Miller, received $75 for her second place submission. Another T.R. Miller student, Taija Floyd, received $50 for her third place submission.
Ariell is a graduating senior; Neelee and Taija have both been encouraged to participate in next year’s contest.
Gayle Johnson is president of the Atmore Memorial VFW Auxiliary to Post 7016.
On hand for the awards banquet was Sandra Brunton, State of Alabama VFW Auxiliary President.