10/26/2026
Members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary Post 4278 presented awards to several Washougal students for artwork they submitted to the VFW Auxiliary’s Illustrating America art competition.
Adelaide Kessinger, a 9th grader at Washougal High School, was recognized for her drawing representing “A Soldier’s Memory”, which won first place at the Post level for 2024. Her 2025 painting representing “Heart of America” was awarded second place at the Post level.
Nora Scott, a 10th grader at Washougal High, was recognized for her painting, which won second place at the Post level for 2024. Each winning submission was recognized with a cash prize from the local Auxiliary.
VFW Auxiliary member Susan Bennett said, “Each year, both the VFW Post 4278 and VFW Post 4278 Camas-Washougal Auxiliary sponsor art and essay contests with the goal of inspiring patriotism in students.”
Adelaide visited Jemtegaard Middle School’s Art Teacher Dani Allen, where the awards were presented. Adelaide created the artwork while enrolled in art classes at Jemtegaard, but completed them as independent projects.
Adelaide reflected on her art submissions saying, “Art isn’t about how it looks, it is about how it makes you feel…and this is how I feel about America.”
Susan added, “I feel that it is very important for the students to be recognized by not only their peers, but also the district and the Post. Art is a great extension of the child, it shows their creativity, and our Post is so excited to recognize the talent and the great effort they put in to creating the art for the contest.”
Washougal students are invited to submit essays to the VFW Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen contents by October 31. Students can submit art projects to the Illustrating America contest through December 15, 2026. The 2026-2027 Young American Creative Patriotic Contest and the 3-Dimensional Patriotic Art Contest for students in grades 9-12 are due by March 31, 2027.
