Students sent in competition pieces back in October under the direction of teachers Kim Taylor and Julia Dahlgren for the 2021 Academic Rodeo and were officially awarded on Wednesday, Feb. 24th.

Taylor sponsored the Art, Fashion Show, and Science Illustration categories in Academic Rodeo for her Floral Design students. Phuong Nguyen won 1st place for 9th grade Art category. Marisol Velasco won 2nd place for 9th grade Art category. Emily Perez won Honorable Mention for 10th grade Art category. Marisol Velasco won Honorable Mention for 10th grade Art category. Jacqueline Conteras won 2nd place for the High School medalist in Science Illustration category. Madelyn Shelton won 3rd place for the High School “Construction, Casual” Fashion Show category.

Dahlgren sponsored Writing for the 3rd year in a row. William Bagwell won 3rd Place for his writing piece.

“I was grateful to have the opportunity to still have a way to take my photo with my medal during this pandemic,” Bagwell said. “I am proud of my writing abilities, all thanks to Mrs. Dahlgren.”

In addition, Nguyen won the “Overall Artist Award” and Taylor won “Outstanding Educator of the Year” for the East Texas Fair and Academic Rodeo contest.

“I honestly had no I idea I was getting this award.”, Taylor said “I have been working with contests with the East Texas State Fair for 24 years and they have allowed me to show case so many amazing young talents… it is an awesome outlet for young talent. I am always wanting to show off our youth’s skills in art. I feel blessed to get to do what I love for so many years. I work with a very supportive and warm team of people and leaders and so many of them inspire me as a teacher.”

Art students will compete in VASE (Visual Arts Scholastic Event) by submitting their entries which are due Monday, March 1st.