Student Winners in Patriotic Coloring Contest

From eagles to airplanes and from flags to fireworks, Fayette County Kids have all sorts of images representing American Freedom. 835 youngsters from all across the country entered their artwork in a countywide coloring contest sponsored by the area's America 250 organization. Now 31 official prize-winners are being announced. The winners work, along with other entries, are going on public display at the Fayette Public Library. The year 2026 is the 250th anniversary of America's Declaration of Independence, which is being celebrated in a wide variety of events in Fayette County. "It is never too young to learn about patriotism and about this great nation's heritage," said County Judge Dan Mueller.
Winners were selected in each grade level from kindergarten through eighth grade, plus a category for high school students.
“Our youth are such an important part of our country’s future,” Judge Mueller said. “These students put forth effort, showed creativity, and presented such patriotism for the United States of America.”
Larry Jackson, Chairman of the Semiquincentennial Committee in Fayette County Organized the event along with Jamie Fabre of La Grange.
Top winners in the contest also will be recognized during ceremonies on the courthouse grounds on Flag Day, Sunday, June 14.
Winners announced were:
Kindergarten: 1. Harper Guentert, St. Rose Catholic School. Schulenburg; 2. Tucker Brown, St. Rose Catholic School; 3. Sutton Ponder, Flatonia ISD.
First Grade: 1. Briley Grahmann, Flatonia ISD; 2. Laney Masek, Flatonia ISD; 3. Ella Virnau, Fayetteville ISD.
Second Grade: 1. Ellie Klesel, Flatonia ISD; 2. Meredith Wallace, Greater Vision Home School Co-op; 3. Gracelyn Smith, Flatonia ISD.
Third Grade: 1. Barrett Bernsen, Greater Vision; 2. Ree Lichnovsky, St. Rose; 3. Georgia Bailey, Flatonia ISD.
Fourth Grade: 1. Addison Eudy, St. Rose; 2. Brylinn Marrs, Flatonia; 3. Abel Tiffany, Schulenburg ISD.
Fifth Grade: 1. Noah Faldyn, Fayetteville ISD; 2. Rachel Herbrich, Greater Vision; 3. Melanie Lazcano, Fayetteville.
Sixth Grade: 1. Melanie Martinez, Fayetteville; 2. Colby Zbikowski, Flatonia; 3. Raven Demel, St. Rose.
Seventh Grade: 1. Rylee Colvin, La Grange Middle School; 2. Luke Goedrich, St. Rose; 3. Kloey Noska, Fayetteville.
Eighth Grade: 1. Bryanna Russi, La Grange Middle School; 2. Fallon Wallace, La Grange Middle School; 3. Sarah Herbrich, Greater Vision.
High School, Drawing: 1. James Wall, Greater Vision.
High School, Color Page: 1. Scottie Beseda, Fayetteville; 2. Miranda Gross, Fayetteville; 3. Rebecca Warren, Fayetteville.