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Bartlett VFW Auxiliary Holds Art Contest

This year was a great year for Bartlett VFW Auxiliary 11018 regarding the quality of art entered into an annual contest. Bartlett High School art teacher Yvonne Wyrwicki encourages her students to take part in contests, this being one of them. Auxiliary Chairperson Rochelle Prybylski and Ms. Wyrwicki have worked together for nine years on this competition.

There were 14 entries, and as Rochelle states "There could have easily been more than one first prize." This is not said to disrespect the first place winner, Eli Yu, who drew a soldier and his daughter. Eli's drawing and shading looked professional. While being monochrome, the only colors appearing are that of the American flag, the little girl's ponytail holder and her bracelet. Eli placed Honorable Mention last year.

Second place winner Esteban Miranda drew a close-up of a soldier, while his wife and child appeared in his eye, signifying him thinking of them while away at war. A tie for third place is a first. Kyra Mays drew a colorful portrait of an inter-racial couple and their baby celebrating 4th of July, while Cynthia Luna drew an emotional rendering of a soldier paying respect at his comrade's tombstone, while that comrade is an Angel, comforting him. Three Honorable Mentions were Sophia Polido, Miguel Rodriguez and Brenda Torres.

All judging is completely anonymous; each entry is assigned a number and any reference to the artists' personal information is covered.

All first place winners within the state of Illinois are in the state chairperson's possession. They will be judged at the State VFW Convention in Springfield in June. All first place state winners will then be judged at the National VFW Convention in Charlotte, N.C., in July.

The Bartlett VFW Auxiliary and Bartlett High School have experienced state winners before, and they are hopeful this will be another year. Most recently, Jess Wittmayer took second in the State of Illinois competition last year. Previously, Allison Cummings won first place in the State of Illinois two years in a row, her junior and senior years.

There are several levels of monetary prizes at local, state and national level, the First Place National Prize is a $10,000 scholarship plus other prizes.

Please contact Rochelle at (630) 373-0422 or send an email through website bartlettvfw.com if you would like to learn about how the Bartlett VFW Auxiliary assists veterans and troops.

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