Corey Phelps, a 2013 Brewer High School graduate, receives a $250 award from Falkville VFW Post 10774 Commander Don Collum at a post meeting Monday night. Pictured with them, from left, are Vickie Turney, Patriotic Art Contest chairwoman for the Auxiliary, and Phelps’ parents, Jay and Carol Phelps of Somerville. | Clif Knight

The Auxiliary of Falkville VFW Post 10774 honored Brewer High School graduate Corey Phelps as post winner and state honorable mention winner in the 2013 Patriotic Art Contest at a post meeting Monday night.

Phelps was presented a $250 award to commemorate his achievement. The auxiliary also had his artwork, a pencil drawing of a pilot and his fighter jet, framed and presented it to him for safekeeping.

Phelps entered the competition last spring at the urging of his art teacher. High school students attending Morgan County Schools as well as home schooled students were invited to participate.

“I chose a subject that I thought would reflect pride for all branches of military service,” Phelps said. “I was shocked when I got a call that my entry was judged best in the district, and I had no idea that it would merit honorable mention at the state level.”

Phelps said he has taken art classes in school since he was in the fifth grade and hopes to teach art at the college level in the future. He plans to attend Calhoun Community College this fall and later transfer to UAH.

“We’re pleased that Corey followed the advice of his teacher and chose to enter his art in the Patriotic Art Contest,” said Vickie Turney, contest chairwoman. “Our goal is to increase the number of entries we receive each time. Contest information packets are sent out through the schools each year.”

State winners compete nationally for scholarships ranging form $500 to $10,000.

In addition to the Patriotic Art Contest, the VFW post sponsors two annual essay competitions: Voice of Democracy for high school students and Patriot’s Pen for junior high students. Entries for both are due by November 1 and national winner scholarships range form $10,000 to $30,000.