Illustrating America Art Contest
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Youth Activities
The Brainerd VFW Auxiliary sponsors this contest each year. It is for grade schoolers living within 50 miles of Brainerd, MN. All students K-8 are invited and encouraged to participate. The deadline for submission is March 31, 2026.
Download and print the forms below:
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Entries go to: Brainerd VFW, 309 South 6th Street, Brainerd, MN 56401. Attn: Sue Sterling.
Hours: Mon-Fri. noon to 10 pm. Sunday Noon to 5 pm.
Hours: Mon-Fri. noon to 10 pm. Sunday Noon to 5 pm.
(l-r) Brainerd VFW Auxiliary member Sue Sterling and Piper Warwas, 1st place winner of 6th 2024-25 District and State/Department of Minnesota VFW Illustrating America Art Contest. Piper was a 1st grade student at Harrison Elementary School and received a check for $50.
May 13, 2025: YOUTH ACTIVITY Program – Illustrating America Patriotic Coloring contest for Grades K-8. The Brainerd VFW Auxiliary sponsors this contest each year for grade school kids living within 50 miles of Brainerd, MN. Local schools were contacted with details and encouraged to have their students participate.
There were three categories: K-2nd, 3rd, 5th, and 6-8th grades. First, second and third place prices were awarded in each category. The Brainerd VFW auxiliary is proud to announce that two of their first-place winners won first place at the district level, and those two will be competing with all the state first-place winners. Stay posted for an update on state winners, which will be determined at the VFW State Conference in June. Sue Sterling
There were three categories: K-2nd, 3rd, 5th, and 6-8th grades. First, second and third place prices were awarded in each category. The Brainerd VFW auxiliary is proud to announce that two of their first-place winners won first place at the district level, and those two will be competing with all the state first-place winners. Stay posted for an update on state winners, which will be determined at the VFW State Conference in June. Sue Sterling
May 13, 2025: The 2025-2026 Brainerd VFW Auxiliary competition winners with event coordinator Sue Sterling in the background.
Just some of the many entries.
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Grades K-2:
1st place Star spangled 4th of July - Piper Warwas, Harrison Grade 1 2nd place Eagle head frowning on flag - Dale Stapleton, Harrison Grade 2 3rd place Eagle flying over trees - Janie Stephens, Lakes Region Grade 2 |
Piper Warwas
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Grades 3-5:
1st place Soldier kneeling with flag Alexa Preisinger, Lakes Region Christian Academy Grade 4 2nd place Soldier & tank– Gus Emerson, Stare Grade 5 3rd place Earth on black August McGillis, Harrison Grade 3 |
Alexa Preisinger
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Grades 6-8:
1st place Ballerina and flag by Isabella Olson, Stare Academy Grade 7 2nd place Earth sun & moon Jordan Lough, Stare Grade 8 3rd place Flag & Cross Emma Bocsen, Stare Academy, Grade 8 |
Isabella Olson
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June 7, 2024: |
BRAINERD — Every year the Auxiliary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars sponsors two contests for grades K-8. Information about the contests is given to the elementary schools in the Brainerd/Baxter area and they share it with their students. This year’s drawing/coloring contest was titled “Illustrating America.” The vocal contest, in which the student needed to submit a video recording of themselves singing the national anthem, was entitled “Let’s Hear it for the Red, White & Blue.”
“Republicans and Democrats must agree that our children are the most important asset this country has,” the VFW announced in a news release. “Today’s children are inundated with unhealthy messages through modern media. But one thing that can and should be taught to them at a young age is Patriotism, and our schools play an important role in getting that message across.”
On May 13 and May 24, each winner was honored at a special presentation and given a monetary award and certificate.
“The Brainerd VFW Auxiliary is proud to announce the winners of those two contests and wants to thank all the parents and teachers who encouraged their students to submit drawings and recordings in support of patriotism,” the news release stated.
“Republicans and Democrats must agree that our children are the most important asset this country has,” the VFW announced in a news release. “Today’s children are inundated with unhealthy messages through modern media. But one thing that can and should be taught to them at a young age is Patriotism, and our schools play an important role in getting that message across.”
On May 13 and May 24, each winner was honored at a special presentation and given a monetary award and certificate.
“The Brainerd VFW Auxiliary is proud to announce the winners of those two contests and wants to thank all the parents and teachers who encouraged their students to submit drawings and recordings in support of patriotism,” the news release stated.
May 24, 2024: An award ceremony was held at the Stare Acadamy Heritage Church in Brainerd for winners who were unable to attend on May 14th.
Sue Sterling, Illustrating America Art Contest Coordinator.
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Malachi Faas, 3rd place.
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Gus Emmerson, 2nd place.
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Alijah Larson, 1st place.
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(l-r) Sue Sterling, Alijah Larson, Gus Emerson and Malachi Faas.
May 14, 2024: The 2023 - 2024 Illustrating America contest winners were recognized at the Brainerd VFW.
(l-r) Emily Beierman, Elton Erickson, Avah Lueck, Elijah Laporte, Emma Hubbling, Alana Otterson and Wyatt Peterson.
2024 Minnestoa Sixth District Awards:
Emma Hubbling – First place- Grade 2 Harrison School
Eiton Erickson – Second Place – Grade 3 Harrison School
Alijah Larson – Second place - Grade 6 Stare Academy (Heritage Church school)
Avah Lueck – First Place – Grade 4 – Harrison School singing contest “Get excited for the red, white and blue.”
Emma Hubbling – First place- Grade 2 Harrison School
Eiton Erickson – Second Place – Grade 3 Harrison School
Alijah Larson – Second place - Grade 6 Stare Academy (Heritage Church school)
Avah Lueck – First Place – Grade 4 – Harrison School singing contest “Get excited for the red, white and blue.”
Avah Lueck
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The group photo includes Avah Lueck, who was the winner of the singing contest. |
Winners from grades K-2:
Emma Hubbling, 1st place grade 2 and 1st place at district.
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Elijah Laporte 2nd place grade 2
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Wyatt Peterson, 3rd place grade 1
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Alana Otterson, honorable mention, grade 1
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Grades 3 through 5:
Elton Erickson, first place and 2nd at district.
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Emily Beierman, honorable mention.
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More photos from the evening:
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Entries from K - 2
Entries from grades 3 - 5.
Harrison School teachers and students. (l-r) Guy Kelm, Elijah Laporte, Eiton Erickson, Avah Lueck, Emma Hubbling, Sarah Armstrong and Becky Meyer
It was a full house at the Brainerd VFW that night as the winners brought their parents.
The VFW Coloring Contest is sponsored by the Brainerd VFW Auxiliary.
