Lillian Krotzer, who will be a sophomore at Piercing Arrow Private School this fall, has been awarded top honors in the National Poppy Poster Contest sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary.
The red poppy has long been associated with the American Legion, and more specifically, Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day. According to the American Legion website, the poppy symbolizes hope for a peaceful future and recognizes a symbol of war and its human cost.
Her poster was first judged by the local auxiliary unit, by the Poppy chairman in Oregon, and finally by national chairmen.
In her award letter, Norma Tramm, the 2023-2024 Poppy Chairman, wrote to Lillian, complementing her on her beautiful artwork, writing, “Your poster will be proudly displayed at our national convention in New Orleans later this summer and will be featured on our national website, beginning in September.”
Lillian is very pleased regarding her winning entry, particularly that it has to do with remembering those who have served our country. She can often be seen at American Legion dinners, helping serve food, among her other volunteer pursuits.
“I really like volunteering,” Lillian said. “I like helping people, especially our veterans.”
At age 15, Lillian is already a consummate artist and manages to hold a 4.0 grade average. Her mother, Rachel, stresses the importance of teaching independence at an early age.
“She began making her own breakfast very early on,” Rachel said, describing how Lillian would stand on a stool to crack her egg and call out to her mom when it was time for the egg to be flipped.
“I was always very present, though, within a few feet,” Rachel said.
She is very proud of her daughter and her myriad of accomplishments at her young age.
“I am also really happy when my kids get recognized,” Rachel said. “Kids need to hear when they are doing good. Though sometimes she studies too hard, and I have to threaten to take her books away!”
Principal at Piercing Arrow Lori Sherman has involved the school’s students in the Poppy Poster Contest for the past ten years.
“We have had many wins at the state level,” Sherman said. “But this is the first year we have a student win at the national level.”
“Lillian is an amazing artist and has painted windows at Christmas time in the community at local businesses. She will also be selling her artwork at the Clatskanie Festival on August 10th in the City Park,” Sherman said.
Lillian cites painting as her favorite art medium, though she also engages in other craft-related activities.
“I really like most of my paintings,” Lillian said. “So sometimes its hard to sell them!”
But rest assured there will always be much more art coming from this young lady.
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