During the 2022 State VFW Auxiliary Convention held in Alexandria, Ruston High School senior Maggie Ambrose was recognized for her first place finish in the Young American Creative Art Contest. The Louisiana Department of the VFW Auxiliary presented Ambrose with a plaque and check before asking her to address the convention with remarks related to her award-winning art. Ambrose is seen with (left to right) Department President Ramel Fields, her parents Allison and Jason Ambrose, and Auxiliary Scholarship Chair Christine Sloan. Ambrose’s artwork entitled “The Cost” is currently posted on the VFW Auxiliary–National Organization Facebook page and remains in the running for the national prize which will be announced in Kansas City in July. Leader photos by Cathi Cox-Boniol