Patriotic painting
Wilton-Lyndeborough Cooperative ninth-grader Haidyn Paquette has been nominated for a national art competition based on her artwork titled “The U.S. Army.” STAFF PHOTO BY JOSH LACAILLADE
| Published: 06-21-2023 2:04 PM |
A WLC student has been nominated for a national award in her first-ever art competition.
Ninth grader Haidyn Paquette is the winner of the New Hampshire Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) 3D Patriotic Art Contest, a competition recognizing students for their patriotism-inspired artwork.
According to her art teacher Emily Hall, students were tasked last semester with creating an art piece that answered the questions, “What does it mean to be patriotic?” and “What do you treasure?”
Hall said she wanted to inspire students to speak freely about what they believe in.
“At first, there was a lot of resistance with the patriotic prompt. But, I’m moved by my students’ courage,” said Hall.
After working all semester on the piece, Paquette said she was nominated for the VFW national competition for her 3D sculpture titled “The U.S. Army,” which she says was inspired by her veteran father.
“I never thought I’d like art enough to enter into a competition,” said Paquette. “But, I was pretty excited to find out because my art had a lot to do with my dad who was in the military.”
Currently, Paquette is the only WLC student to represent New Hampshire in several of VFW’s national competitions. Other WLC students entered in the 3D art competition, including Eva Hussey and Abram Peters, and the two took home second and third place in New Hampshire.
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After Pacquette took home first place and the $175 prize, the sculpture was sent to the VFW National Headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri where she will compete against winners from the 49 other states. The national winner will receive a $15,000 prize from the VFW. The national winner will be announced in July, Paquette said.
Paquette said she is feeling a mix of emotions leading up the final decision.
“I’m excited and hopeful, but at the same time, I don’t want to get my hopes up,” she said.
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