The Ladies Auxiliary of Schmitt-Manecke-Donner VFW Post 1638 has announced the local winners of the annual Patriotic Art contest. In addition to the usual 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners, this year the Auxiliary also selected five winners of the Post Choice Award, chosen at a public showing on April 1.
Out of 36 entries, Annie DeBroux earned 1st place, a $100 check and will advance to the state competition. Placing second was Sarah Lentz ($75 prize) and third went to Megan Smith ($50 prize).
The Post Choice awards went to Debroux (1st, $75); Victoria Gartmann (2nd, $50); Lentz (3rd, $30); Lauren Hojan (4th, $20); and Jennifer Anderson (5th, $15).
Students can create works for the Patriotic Art contest as a class project at Merrill High School.
Tracy Jopek, Patriotic Art chairperson for Post 1638, said the artwork is greatly appreciated by veterans.
“We had veterans with tears in their eyes (during the public showing of the art),” she said. “It’s very meaningful for them to know that you get it.”