VFW art contest instills patriotism in local high school students

This year marks the 11th year the Auxiliary to Bartlett VFW Post 11018 has offered the nationwide VFW Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest. The annual contest theme is always patriotic.

There were 15 entries, 14 from Bartlett High School and one from South Elgin High School. All who placed are Yvonne Wyrwicki's students at Bartlett High School. The judging is anonymous by assigning numbers to entries.

First place went to junior Leann Noesen, who placed third last year. This most creative entry drawn with colored pencil shows strong American women who made a difference, namely Rosa Parks, Sally Ride, Michelle Obama, Eleanor Roosevelt and Susan B. Anthony.

Second-place winner Katey Mundorf chose a clock as the focal point and used acrylic paint. Vignettes portrayed important times in four individuals' lives. The junior received honorable mention last year.

Third place went to sophomore and first-time entrant Nathan Caballero who used colored pencil to draw a wooden figure symbolizing a veteran, showing problems many veterans face.

Honorable mentions were awarded to junior Destiny Delgado and senior Caitlin Villaros. Destiny honored a fallen female soldier and drew the soldier's face plus roses and her boots. Caitlin used mixed media to complete her entry of various ethnicities and ages saying the Pledge of Allegiance. Caitlin improved, as last year's entry did not place.

All first-place regional winners within the state of Illinois, will be judged at the Auxiliary and VFW State Convention in June. First-place state winners will then be judged in August at the National VFW Convention.

First-place national prize is a $10,000 scholarship. There are several levels of monetary prizes at local, state and national levels.

For information, call (630) 373-0422 or email BartlettVFWAux@gmail.com.

The Bartlett Auxiliary will hold a "Savers Fundraiser" from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 28, in Bartlett Plaza; all proceeds going to veterans. For questions, call Rochelle (630) 373-0422 or email BartlettVFWAux@gmail.com.