Coushatta’s post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars has concluded presenting awards in the 2017 Americanism Competition. Entries were received and judged from Ringgold Elementary, Riverdale Academy and Red River Elementary School. Ringgold’s awards were presented last month. Awards to the other schools were presented to students this week.

On Monday, Post Commander Barry McCoy presented certificates to third and fourth grade students who were selected tops in their category to draw and color an historic event. First place certificate was presented to Makilah Mikel Murphy for the entry “Thanks For Freedom.” Second place entry was “The Civil War” drawn by Cody Procell. Third place was a depiction of Rosa Parks refusing to leave her seat on a bus during the civil rights movement drawn by Vincent Calhoun.

Kindergarten students colored the American flag. First place was awarded to Jaxon Blount. Second went to Savanah Gartman. And third place was awarded to Makenzi Knaggs.

On Tuesday the post awards were presented to Riverdale Academy students. Winners among kindergarten students coloring the American flag were Ellie Reese Hillman first place, Easton Cason second place, and Morgan Moseley third place.

First and second grade students drew and colored the American flag. First place entry went to Kaleigh Pickett. Second place was awarded to Jojo Shaver. And the third place certificate went to Madelyn Chamberlin.

Older elementary students drew and colored a historical event. Riverdale’s top finishers were Summer Rushing in first place, Ally Kate Hillman in second, and third place went to Destiney Bohannon.

Post 7287 of the VFW presents the Voice of Democracy, Patriot’s Pen, and Americanism programs to schools in Red River and Bienvile parishes each fall. Top finishers in each category are forwarded on to district and the state for higher-level competition.