VFW Auxiliary announces 'Americanism' winners

Each year the Wright County VFW #1901 Auxiliary of Montrose sponsors an "Americanism" coloring contest as part of a larger statewide contest. On Friday, March 15, winners from Montrose Elementary School of Innovation were recognized by event chair Rosemary Schultz, who also provided a donation for the school's media center.

"We appreciate Montrose Elementary for participating in our Americanism program, and congratulate the winners of this year's project," Schultz said. 

Quality submissions from students were distributed to veterans in local senior housing facilities, and the best advanced to the district and state levels. Montrose had two winners at the state level: Madison Sunderman took first place in the state for second grade, and Avery Sunderman took second place in the state for kindergarteners.

Local winners pictured here with Principal Tony Steffes and Schultz include, front from left: first-graders Grayson Farrell (3rd place), Remi Olsonoski (2nd) and Gabby Follmer (1st); and kindergartners Ember Krause (3rd), Angelina Davis (2nd) and Avery Sunderman (1st). In the second row, from left, are third-grader Layla Sarkinen (1st); and second-graders Dylan Alvarado (3rd), Lily Redinger (2nd) and Madison Sunderman (1st). In the third row, from left, are fourth-graders McCormick Stuart (2nd), Lexi Epple (1st); and third-graders Ariana Villagrana (3rd) and Mckayla Anderson (2nd). Not pictured is fourth-grader Lexi Johnson (2nd).