Divine Redeemer Classes Recognized for Poppy Designs

by Jonathan Weaver

Earlier this month, Divine Redeemer students in Ford City were able to tell their friends and family their artwork hung in the Armstrong County Courthouse.

That’s because Melissa Sheaffer’s third-grade class from last year were notified in late-August that their entry into the Buddy Poppy Display Contest for the Pattonville VFW won First Place in the state

“We found out about the state (results) the week before school started this year,” Sheaffer said. “(Veterans of Foreign Wars Patriotic Instructor) Denise Russick comes in and gives us the poppies, and then we come up with an idea and the kids produce our projects.”

Third, fourth, and fifth-grade classes (which had about 16 students each) worked on creating a design out of poppy flowers during the beginning of May before the Memorial Day submission.

During the course of a week, Sheaffer and now-fourth grader Grace Burke estimated the class used about 500 poppies – painting some white and blue to make an American flag.

Danielle Kephart’s class last year also won third place in the state contest.

“We’ve done this for several years. This has been a project (Ford City VFW) brings to us every year to do,” Kephart said.

“But this is the first year we placed in States,” Sheaffer added.

Kephart’s class entry contained poppies painted green for grass and red poppies “flowing” from a soldier’s helmet to represent blood. Poppies (the VFW official flower) represent American bloodshed by service members.

“Part of it was to use as many poppies as you can,” Kephart said. “You try to incorporate them wherever you can.”

A cash prize received for Memorial Day 2015’s entry was donated to wounded warriors. Kephart estimated the same would be done with 2016’s winnings.

VFW Coordinator Don King said students and staff did “an amazing job” creating the poppy displays.

King said Sheaffers’ class display was also taken to the VFW National Convention in North Carolina during the summer.

“To get recognized for their hard work is nice,” Kephart concluded.

Russick explained classes can enter in a handful of categories: patriotic, memorial, inspirational or decorative/artistic.

Sheaffer’s class competed in the “memorial” category, and Kephart’s class competed in the patriotic category.

Auxiliary members order thousands of poppies for the local submissions.

Principal Nicalena Carlesi explained during the last three years Divine Redeemer classes have submitted projects, students were taught the history and meaning of the poppies.

“I know I speak for the student body and staff when I say that we strive to help keep our veterans in the minds of all as we create displays for the contests,” Carlesi said. “We are proud that our Buddy Poppy flag submission is being displayed at the Armstrong County Courthouse for many to see and be reminded of the sacrifices of our Veterans.”

Plaques are to be awarded to the first, second, and third place winners in each of the categories.

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