The American Legion Post 372 Art Contest was established in 2023 to offer our local youth an opportunity to showcase their artistic talents, a chance for a scholarship, create awareness and thought about our military veterans and to beautify the American Legion building with military murals.

Our first mural, which was a WWI theme, was completed last summer. The mural representing WWI, depicts soldiers, white memorial crosses and scenes from the victory parade in New York overlaying a bright red poppy.

The theme of this year’s Youth Art Contest was World War II. The judging took place a few months ago, and the winners were;

Coming in 3^rd place was Hana Kolenovic, a student at Cherry Hill West High School with her art submission titled “World War Two Memorial”. She will receive a $300 Scholarship. Job well done Hana!

Coming in 2^nd places was Cecilia DiPal, a student at Bishop Eustace with her art submission titled “Honor and Remember”. She will receive a $500 Scholarship. Job well done Cecilia!

Coming in 1^st Place was Emily Davidson, a student at Cherry Hill West High School with her art submission titled “Land, Sea and Air”. Emily has once again proved to be an outstanding artist having also won last year’s Art contest – she painted the WWI mural last summer. What an outstanding job Emily!

Today, the community joined us to unveil the WWII Mural Emily painted while Emily gave a speech on her inspiration for the murals she has painted and what it has meant to her.

Among guests who attended were Congressman Norcross District Staffer Nick Feldman, Camden County Veterans Affairs Director Ted Gallagher, Cherry Hill Town Council Dan DiRenzo and Sangeeta Doshi, Cherry Hill Fire Department, Cherry Hill Police Department, Emily’s family and many Legion members.