LUSK – The 2022 winners of the local annual Patriotic Art competition were chosen by a committee with the following individuals receiving a certificate and a check from the V.F.W. Auxiliary No. 3511 of Lusk; First Place was awarded to Haven Hendricks, Second Place to Adele DesEnfants and Third Place to Aiden Applegarth.

In previous years the presentation has been given either at half-time during an athletic competition or on Awards Day, which did not take place this year. The Auxiliary greatly appreciates the support given by NCHS art instructor Roxanne Fish, who presents it to the art students in her classes from Freshmen to Seniors. This contest provides an incredible opportunity to young artists, as well as promotes patriotism throughout schools. The experience also gives students a taste of requirements, which include an essay about their entry and necessary signatures of teacher, parent or guardian. The Criteria followed in judging included Patriotic Expression, Content and Design.

First Place winner Haven Hendricks wrote: “To me patriotism means remembering why we came to this country in the first place and what we stand for. It means mourning all the lives lost for this country and celebrating the freedom we gained. These are some of the flags of the U.S. throughout history and We the People is the first line of the Constitution of the United States of America. The flags represent all the stages this country went through since its beginning. The “We the People” represents all we stand for and the freedom we fought so hard for and gained at the price of many lives. It shows that men are entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. That is the whole reason behind this country and our government; to protect these rights. This is what patriotism means to me.”

Second Place winner Adele DesEnfants wrote: “My piece is called “Patriotic Country” and it is done in chalk pastels. I chose this subject because I wanted to express what patriotism is in Wyoming. The scene is vast pasture land on either side of a dirt road with the American and Wyoming flags waving gracefully in the wind. The peaceful scene was made to make it feel like there was a sense of freedom and peace in this place. I feel that cowboys and farmers of this area are some of the most patriotic people I know. They respect our flag and the principles our country was founded on. I wanted to create a piece that celebrated them and their sacrifices and support of our country.”

Third Place winner Aiden Applegarth wrote: “The quality of being a patriot means being devoted and vigorous and supportive of one’s country.” My piece is called “American Patriot” and it is made from acrylic paint and the colors I used were; Phthalo blue, Dioxazine purple, Titanium white, Slate gray and black. I spent a lot of time blending the sky with the blue and the purple to make a dark night sky. The most fun part to me was the stars that I sprayed on there by tapping the brush with Titanium white on it. And I did the kneeling cross because I am a religious individual and this picture has always stuck out to me and I put my own spin on it with the mountains and the night sky.”

Winners in the local contest will move on to compete at the state level, and the winner there will compete nationally.