VFW Honors Local Students for Patriotism

Avoyelles Parish students recognized for essays, drawings, and coloring celebrating America and its veterans

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The Avoyelles Parish Veterans of Foreign Wars recently held an awards ceremony to honor local students who participated in the VFW's annual Patriot's Pen and Americanism contests. Students were recognized for essays, drawings, and coloring projects that demonstrated their patriotism and appreciation for the United States and its veterans.

Why it matters

The VFW's youth essay and art competitions provide an important opportunity for students to reflect on and express their views on American values and support for the country and its veterans. Recognizing these students' efforts helps promote civic engagement and patriotism among the younger generation.

The details

The awards ceremony was led by VFW leaders including Michael Vead Sr., Vice Commander; Dale Lonidier, Commander for Marksville; and Rodney Barnett, District Commander. Students were honored across several categories, with winners including Charlotte Lemoine, Cecilia Musso, Rose Blankenship, and Liam Daigrepont. The top Patriot's Pen essay winners were Landon Valois, who also won at the state level, Ryleigh A. Maddie, and Abbey Guillot.

  • The awards ceremony took place on February 22, 2026.

The players

Michael Vead Sr.

Vice Commander of the Avoyelles Parish Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Dale Lonidier

Commander for Marksville of the Avoyelles Parish Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Rodney Barnett

District Commander of the Avoyelles Parish Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Charlotte Lemoine

A student at St. Mary's School in Cottonport who won the Americanism contest for coloring the American flag.

Cecilia Musso

A student at St. Joseph's School in Plaucheville who won the Americanism contest for drawing the flag.

Rose Blankenship

A student at St. Anthony's School in Bunkie who won the Americanism contest for drawing a historical event.

Liam Daigrepont

A student at St. Mary's School who won the Americanism contest for his essay titled 'How I Honor Veterans.'

Landon Valois

A seventh grade student at St. Mary's School who won first place in the Patriot's Pen competition and was also named the Louisiana State District 12 winner.

Ryleigh A. Maddie

A seventh grade student at St. Joseph's School who won second place in the Patriot's Pen competition.

Abbey Guillot

An eighth grade student at St. Joseph's School who won third place in the Patriot's Pen competition.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

The VFW's youth essay and art competitions help promote civic engagement and patriotism among students, providing an important opportunity for them to reflect on and express their appreciation for America and its veterans.