National Winners of the 2020-2021 VFW Auxiliary Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest

The VFW Auxiliary is proud to announce the national winners of the 2020-2021 Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest. First-place Department (state) entries were judged at National Headquarters in July. 

Celine Min took first place in the Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest, winning a $15,000 college scholarship. The contest, sponsored annually by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Auxiliary, recognizes up-and-coming artists and encourages patriotism in youth. A total of $31,500 in scholarships was awarded to 10 finalists, all students in grades 9-12.

Min, of Bellevue, Wash. attends Forest Ridge School of the Sacred Heart. She was sponsored by VFW Auxiliary 2995, Bellevue. Her art illustrates her grandmother’s experiences as a nurse during the Vietnam War. “[My grandmother] would tell me about all the hardships she faced while leaving her family as a young woman, but also the pride she felt to serve her country.”

“I wanted to encompass her experiences through this piece, as well as the expression she would have while telling her stories. Her eyes looking into the distance show the way she looked as hundreds of memories flashed by her. 

Through my piece, I hope to commemorate my grandmother’s work, as well as other foreign war veterans and those who gave their lives to protect their country. It is meaningful for me to honor the role she played not only in the war but in my life both as a nurse and as my grandmother.” 

Visit our website to see the first-place Department winners and learn how students in grades 9-12 can participate in the 2021-2022 contest.