Four RRPS students receive Scholastic Awards

RIO RANCHO — In one image, the subject seems to claw at his face, pulling his eyes wider and wider.

In another, a young woman watches a group of butterflies alight from her outstretched hand.

Over there, we see a screen displaying a short animation of a young couple eating shawarma.

And over there is a clip from a graphic novel, just a snippet, a glimpse into the artist’s mind.

These are the award-winning pieces from this year’s Scholastic Arts and Writing Awards (SAWA).

Established in 1923, the SAWAs aim to “encourage, foster and reward creativity in our nation’s classrooms,” according to their website.

The SAWAs are the longest-running student recognition program in America. Past winners include Andy Warhol, Robert Redford and Truman Capote.

According to Cleveland High School art teacher Liz Olive, only 350 art pieces from New Mexico and El Paso were chosen to go to the national level. Eight of those are from Rio Rancho Public Schools students.

The award-winning students were present at the Feb. 10 RRPS school board meeting, where they were honored by the board and teachers.

“We may be a small district, but our contributions to the arts are significant,” Olive told the board. “So, thank you again for recognizing these amazingly talented students.”

Silver Key recipient Natalie Henson took the board meeting as an opportunity to thank the teachers.

“[Olive] is downplaying her contributions,” said Henson. “Without her, I wouldn’t have known that the Scholastic Awards were even something I could submit [photographs] to.”

Superintendent Sue Cleveland added her gratitude as well.

“Thank you to all our staff for the time and effort you put in, and it’s a lot,” she said. “And to our students, you have amazing talent, and I hope you continue with [pursuing art].”

All Gold Key winning art pieces are entered into the national competition, which is set to announce its results on March 26.

Scholastic Art & Writing Awards

winners• Katelyn Opie (CHS), Silver Key in Animation

• Shireen Kamali (CHS), Silver Key in Drawing and Illustration, Gold Key in Mixed Media, three Gold Keys in Drawing and Illustration

• Natalie Henson (RRHS), Silver Key in Photography

• Laila Spratling (RRHS), Honorable Mention in Comic Art