Chapel Hill art students compete in contest

• Chapel Hill art students compete in contest
• COURTESY PHOTOS

Chapel Hill High School art students competed in the Region 8 UIL VASE: Visual Arts Scholastic Event art competition that took place at Chisum High School on February 24. At this event, student artwork is evaluated by certified TAEA: Texas Art Education Association jurors, as well as students are interviewed about their creations.

A total of 317 students from 17 districts across the Region 8 educational service area participated in the event. Chapel Hill High School sent 21 entries completed by high school students under the direction of CHHS Art teacher, Maricela Hernandez. The young artists brought home an astounding 17 medals.

Students receiving a medal included: Hesly Dejesus, Kristopher Garcia, Nahomi-Garcia Martinez, Charlotte Johnson, Jenna Mizell, Kimberly Ramirez, Elijah Biegler, Zaylie Moreno, Avya Morin, Jahnavi Amin, Tanya Banda, Israel Bedolla, Blackely Mccollum, James Nethercutt, Joselyn Pastrada, Luis Ramirez, and Koti Robertson.

Luis Ramirez earned an area level medal and qualified for the state competition, which will take place in San Marcos April 26-27. Day one of the competition involves all state qualifying artwork being assessed by jurors from across the United States.

On Saturday of the State VASE Event, students may participate in hands-on workshops, sketching opportunities, and compete for scholarship money. Students are also eligible for memorial scholarships. The event is intended to provide a forum for art teachers and students to meet and to grow artistically and personally.

With regards to the preparation and process to compete in VASE, Hernandez said, “The dedication and hard work of Chapel Hill students participating in the VASE is truly remarkable. Their progress from the early stages of planning to the final completion of their art serves as a testament to their commitment and passion. The dedication that these students spend throughout the beginning of the school year, is usually unseen until the very moment of the contest. It has been a rewarding experience to witness their growth and creativity throughout the journey towards the competition. I am proud of each and every student who has poured their time and efforts into this experience.”