OXFORD – The American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Unit 376 sponsored a Poppy Poster Contest in both the Oxford Academy Middle and High Schools. The event was chaired by Terrill Sutton with assistance by Art Educators, Charity Gipp and Joni Eaton. Ten students were poster winners.

The ALA's Poppy Poster Contest, for Unit 376, is the brainchild of Terrill Sutton originating in 2018.

"The purpose of doing this," Terrill said, "is to have the students learn about what the Red Flanders Field Poppy stands for and what it represents."

In 2018, Terrill asked Art Educators Charity Gipp, Middle School and Joni Eaton, High School, to have their students learn the meaning of the red Memorial Poppy and read the poem "In Flanders Field". Terrill then asked the instructors to have their art students create posters, in any medium, to be displayed at the Oxford American Legion Post 376 for a competition.

"Charity and I have participated every year since (although last year was cut short for us), said Eaton.