Tyler Dumas, Special to the Tribune

As the end of the school year approaches, D38 took time to recognize and celebrate the artistic talents of our students.

The annual districtwide art awards were hosted on April 15, following the annual art show that filled the Bauman Learning Center with students’ art for several days.

The art awards recognized first, second, and third-place winners from each grade level, as well as two Best of Show winners at the elementary level, and one at the secondary level. Each student received a certificate, an art gift bag with an assortment of supplies, a special sticker designed by a Palmer Ridge art student, a custom cookie, and an art show ribbon.

The art show and art awards are a collaborative effort among all D38 art teachers, but for the past two years now, Palmer Lake Elementary Art Teacher, Amanda Staman has taken on the role of lead organizer. The events have benefited greatly from having Ms. Staman at the helm, as she has a clear passion for the arts and her students, and has given a lot of her time and effort to celebrate their successes.

The award show was emceed by D38 Director of Communications, Amy Matisek. Following a brief introduction, Matisek recognized the event’s sponsors and then the art teachers that helped inspire the students being recognized.

Following the introduction and recognition of art teachers, Staman addressed the large crowd in attendance. She spoke about her love of the arts and the importance of them to our students.

After Staman addressed the audience, Superintendent Amber Whetstine also spoke.

“In Lewis-Palmer School District, we believe that the arts are an essential piece to a well-rounded education. This annual art show and awards program is an excellent example of that belief that brings everyone together in our community,” Whetstine said.

“I would like to thank both our families and art teachers. We appreciate how you all encourage and nurture our student-artists, and we know the skills and creativity they develop will serve them in countless ways in the future,” Whetstine added.

At the elementary level, the 2-D Best of Show winner was Jaxon Mirenda from Bear Creek Elementary. The 3-D Best of Show elementary winner was Tov Troyer from Palmer Lake Elementary.

At the secondary level, the Best of Show winner was Everleigh Larsen from Palmer Ridge High School.

BOX

THE WINNERS ARE:

Kindergarten

3rd Place: Decker Winther from Kilmer Elementary

2nd Place: Rowan Carle from Monument Academy

1st Place: Madison Beichley from Prairie Winds Elementary

First Grade

3rd Place: Viola Charron from Lewis-Palmer Elementary

2nd Place: Mackenzie Soulia from Prairie Winds Elementary

1st Place: Archer Hill from Palmer Lake Elementary

Second Grade

3rd Place: Colette Myers from Monument Academy West

2nd Place: Kiera Johnson from Palmer Lake Elementary

1st Place: Aaliyah Mure from Prairie Winds Elementary

Third Grade

3rd Place: Etta Luebbert from Prairie Winds Elementary

2nd Place: Carson Sanders from the Home School Enrichment Academy

1st Place: Brooke Sarkisian from Lewis-Palmer Elementary

Fourth Grade

3rd Place: Joshua Johnston from Bear Creek Elementary

2nd Place: Rylee Vanlandingham from Bear Creek Elementary

1st Place: Harlyn Plass from Palmer Lake Elementary

Fifth Grade

3rd Place: Brooklynn Karst from Prairie Winds Elementary

2nd Place: Khyra Griffin from Bear Creek Elementary

1st Place: Izzy Petta from Palmer Lake Elementary

Sixth Grade

3rd Place: Victoria Dangremond from Palmer Lake Elementary

2nd Place: Avery Schmidt from Bear Creek Elementary

1st Place: Hannah Hettler from Prairie Winds Elementary

Seventh Grade

3rd Place: Alaina Stevenson from Monument Academy East

2nd Place: Claire McFadden from Lewis-Palmer Middle School

1st Place: Samantha Friesen from Lewis-Palmer Middle School

Eighth Grade

3rd Place: Isabella Stuler from Lewis-Palmer Middle School

2nd Place: Faith Shin from Lewis-Palmer Middle School

1st Place: Angelique Bautista from Lewis-Palmer Middle School

Ninth Grade

3rd Place: Jordynn Tenhagen from Palmer Ridge High School

2nd Place: Hannah Rios from Palmer Ridge High School

1st Place 2-D: Sydney Gingerich from Palmer Ridge High School

1st Place 3-D: Gwen Vallia from Lewis-Palmer High School

Tenth Grade

3rd Place: Sophia Cardenas from Lewis-Palmer High School

2nd Place: Julianah Alamillo from Lewis-Palmer High School

1st Place 2-D: Ariana Cavanaugh from Palmer Ridge High School

1st Place 3-D: Bailey Kangas from Palmer Ridge High School

Eleventh Grade

3rd Place: Sophia Taft from Lewis-Palmer High School

2nd Place: Payton Wurster from Palmer Ridge High School

1st Place 2-D: Taylor Phillips from Palmer Ridge High School

1st Place 3-D: Margaret Switzer from Palmer Ridge High School

Twelfth Grade

3rd Place: Claire Shin from Palmer Ridge High School

2nd Place: Joah Bryant from Palmer Ridge High School

1st Place 2-D: Lizzy Sapp from Palmer Ridge High School

1st Place 3-D: Athena Charbonneau from Palmer Ridge High School