Student Art Show unveils winners

Apr. 9—The Cherokee County Student Art Show has released its winners for the 28th annual showcase held the week of April 1.

Libby Osburn, Tahlequah Public Schools Gifted and Talented education program district coordinator, said the show featured more than 300 pieces from nine different Cherokee County schools.

"I hope patrons were both awed and amazed at the depth of talent we have right here in our community, especially among our young people," Osburn said. "Hopefully, this will help the adults understand the need for a strong arts education in schools as the arts promotes the skills children need to be successful. Exposure to arts education promotes self-directed learning, improves school attendance and sharpens critical and creative skills in addition to helping them master other subjects such as reading, math and social studies."

Those who won first through third or had an honorable mention received a a ribbon, medal, certificate and an art supplies prize. The winner of Best of Show also won $300 in addition to the other items.

Osburn said she wants the artists who entered their work to feel proud of their talent being showcased to the public.

"The Cherokee County Student Art Show is one of the biggest joys of my job," Osburn said. "I am beyond excited each year to see the wonderful art these young people create and would like to encourage every school in Cherokee County to get involved. I feel like the arts enrich our lives, communities and culture but they are also vital to a child's education. And of course, I want to thank LREC Round Up Program as well as Tahlequah Public Schools for sponsoring our show each year."

Art Show Winners

Best of Show: Maralah Morgan, "Rain," Tahlequah High School.

Pre-K through kindergarten winners: first, Joey Bailey, Shiloh Christian School; second, Nevaeh Frost, Heritage Elementary; third Emmy Bailey, Shiloh Christian School; and honorable mention, Carmelita Brown, Heritage Elementary.

First through second grade winners: first, Camila Suarez, Heritage Elementary; second, Adrian Santana, Cherokee Elementary; third, McKenna Harris, Heritage Elementary; and honorable mention, Aspyn Thatcher, Greenwood Elementary.

Third through fourth grade winners: first, Ariella Flores, Cherokee Elementary; second, Bella Batie, Cherokee Elementary; third, Isi Cockrum, Greenwood Elementary; and honorable mention, Haddie Crouch, Cherokee Elementary.

Fifth through sixth grade winners: first, Annie Moul, Tahlequah Middle School; second, Briley Terry, Cherokee Elementary; third, Stella Freise, Greenwood Elementary; and honorable mentions, Adaya England, Heritage Elementary, and Brynlee Harris, TMS.

Seventh through eighth grade winners: first, Tatum Crow, Grand View Public Schools; second, Josephine Matthews, TMS; third, Sarah Ann Jacques, TMS; honorable mention, Adilee Galdamez, Shiloh Christian School.

Ninth through 10th grade winners: first, Jayden Wade, THS; second, Gracie Franks, THS; thirdKaden Stallings, THS and honorable mention, Aizel Garula, Keys High School.

Eleventh through 12th grade winners: first, Dominic Vega, THS; second, Adden Shaw, KHS; third, Ava Batie, THS; and honorable mentions, Emily Rutherford, THS, and Valton Pllana.

3-D art winners: first, Zoey Jacob, Grand View School; second, Jacob Bell, Grand View School; third, Cannon Andrews, Grand View School; and honorable mentions Hendrix Tannehill, THS, and Alexa Garcia, THS.