Matthew Cole's ALA Unit 376 Poppy Poster Contest entry "We Will Remember" was a first place winner from Middle School, Class 2, in 2019. The contest has begun in the Oxford Academy Middle and High Schools.(Photo by Jeanie Petersen)

OXFORD – The American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Unit 376 is sponsoring a Poppy Poster Contest in both the Oxford Academy Middle and High Schools. The event is being chaired by Terrill Sutton with assistance by art teachers Charity Gipp and Joni Eaton.

Since World War I, the American Legion Auxiliary has been distributing the red Memorial Poppy to remind Americans that millions sacrificed their lives and health to keep America free. This poster theme was to express what the poppy represents, in any art medium. The goal was to encourage the students to research and learn about the meaning of the poppy, patriotism, veterans and service, through art.

The Unit 376 ALA Poppy Poster contest is for grades five through twelve in three levels: Middle School (grades 5-6) Class 1; Middle School (grades 7-8) Class 2, and High School. There will be a first, second, and third place in each grade category. The deadline for entries is Friday, May 7.

Prizes will be gift certificates to three Oxford restaurants: Hoppie's, The Stadium, and Joe and Vinney's (student's choice). First place will receive $25 gift certificates, second $15, and third $10 gift certificates.

To read more about the ALA or to see the past posters online, visit the poster contest page at: http://oxford-ala.chenango.org/ The Oxford Fort Hill Legion is located at 17 South Washington Avenue. For info contact the Legion at (607) 843-8166 or email events@oxfordny.com.

Submitted by Oxford American Legion Auxiliary