Lilbourn VFW 7183 recognizes academic, artistic excellence

Front row from left are: Axel Lynn, Avery Lynn, Alexis Boggs, Madison Scallion, Samantha Angel, Brimley Chance and Benson Zheng; second row: Annabelle Olinger, Seb Kuper, District 15 Commander James Coyler, Makenzie Byrne, Baylee Grace Hart and Chloe Pock; back row: James Olinger, Commander of VFW Post 7183 Dr. Ricky Mann; President of VFW Post 7183 Auxiliary Mary Seyer, Gary Kenedy III, Carlten Blankenship, Evan Johnson, Bailey Goodman, Brooklyn Schwendemann and Lauren Wescoat. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)

LILBOURN, Mo. — Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7183 and its Auxiliary presented $23,900 in scholarships and awards to students from throughout Southeast Missouri at its spring awards banquet on April 23.

Honored during the event were students in kindergarten through 12th grade who took part in the post’s Young American Creative Patriotic Artist contest; an area student entering the military upon graduation and 20 graduating high school seniors. In addition two New Madrid County senior classes received gifts for their graduation funds.

While the event centered around the students, it was also an opportunity to educate the young people about the military, its history and service.

James Coyler, left, commander of District 15 of the VFW, was the guest speaker for Lilbourn VFW Post 7183's spring awards dinner. Following his speech, Coyler was presented with an American flag by Post Commander Dr. Ricky Mann. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)

Retired U.S. Air Force Col. James Russell, chairman of the Post’s Youth Activities Committee and emcee for the evening, spoke briefly on the Eighth Air Force. Russell traced the Eighth Air Force’s role from its activation in 1942 as America entered World War II through its flights during the Vietnam War, Gulf War and numerous other campaigns.

The evening’s guest speaker was James Coyler, commander of VFW District 15 which includes posts throughout Southeast Missouri.

Coyler explained to the audience how the VFW differs from other military veterans organizations.

“For the Veterans of Foreign Wars, all of our members are people who have served in hostile areas. They have all foreign-deployed to dangerous combat zones,” Coyler said.

He also used his speech to recognize the many educators and school administrators in the audience, praising their self-less actions and hard work.

The evening’s awards began with presentations to the winners of the Post’s Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest. According to Russell the program is designed to recognize up-and-coming artists and encourage patriotism in youth.

In the junior level for those in kindergarten through fifth grades, the first place winners received $200; second place, $100, third place $75, and honorable mention, $50. For those in mid-level competition for students in sixth through eighth grades, the prizes were $300 for first place, $150 for second place and $75 for third place and the senior level winners, who were in grades 9-12, received $400 for first place, $200 for second place and $100 for third place. All winners also received a packet of art supplies.

Winners from New Madrid County in the junior level were: first place, Samantha Angel, Portageville Elementary School; second place, Brimley Chance, Portageville Elementary School; third place, Makenzie Byrne, Lilbourn Elementary School; and honorable mention, Benson Zheng, Portageville Elementary School.

The junior level winners from Dunklin County were all students at St. Teresa School. They were: first place, Seb Kuper; second place, Axel Lynn; and third place, Avery Lynn.

Taking top honors in the mid-level division were Baylee Grace Hart from New Madrid County Central Middle School and Annabelle Olinger from St. Teresa School.

Artists from Portageville High School swept the senior-level awards in New Madrid County. Bailey Goodman earned first place; Bryleigh Adams, second place; and Max Warren, third place.

Jamie Cruz of Holcomb High School won first place from Dunklin County in the senior level division while second place went to James Olinger of Campbell High School.

The senior classes from New Madrid County Central High School, Portageville High School, Gideon High School and Risco High School were invited to submit a patriotic painting on the Revolutionary War. The first place picture, which will be displayed at the Post, was submitted by the Portageville High School senior class, which received $400 for their graduation fund. The Gideon High School senior class earned $300 for their graduation fund for their second place entry.

“Service in the defense of our great nation in the U.S. military is one of the highest actions that a citizen of the United States can take,” said Russell. “The members of the VFW Post 7183 and its Auxiliary like to recognize any graduating senior who is entering one of the military services of our great nation.”

Jasmine White of Holcomb High School was the recipient of a $500 military stipend.

Graduating high school seniors awarded $1,000 scholarships included:

Gideon High School – Madisyn Adams, Madison Bonee and Lily Watkins;

Holcomb High School – Kaelyn Danley, Jules Gurley, Seth Lyell and Jimmie Moody III;

New Madrid County Central High School – Jacob Bennett, Alexis Boggs, Evan Johnson, Gary Kenedy III, Madison Scallion, Katherine Taylor and Lauren Wescoat;

Portageville High School – Lily Beth Priggel, Mackena-Lee Nicole Swilley and William Warren;

Risco High School – Carlten Blankenship and Natalie Collier; and

Greenbrier High School – Cully James Taylor.

Two additional $1,000 scholarships were presented through the James and Paula Russell Foundation. Chloe Pock of New Madrid County Central High School and Laney Stone of Portageville High School were the recipients.