RRPS Board recognizes fine arts winners

RIO RANCHO — Cleveland High School junior Kiana Aragon stood nervously next to the podium, tugging anxiously at the edge of her sweater as Dr. Kurt Schmidt, Rio Rancho Public Schools executive director of fine arts, outlined her recent success at the State Fair to the school board Nov. 18.

Now an award-winning artist and painter, Aragon took first place in the Upper-Grades Division of the State Fair Art Show in September.

The win was a bit unexpected for Aragon, and everyone else, said CHS art teacher Liz Olive. “The State Fair was great,” she said. “But we didn’t even realize it was going to be judicated. We thought it was just to show off artwork, and we ended up with a Blue Ribbon, so that’s pretty cool.”

Aragon was asked by the board if she would like to speak, but she declined.

“You have to understand, we are visual artists, not performers. So, we are a bit shier,” Olive laughed.

That was the second fine arts commendation the board gave out that evening.

Before Aragon and Olive addressed the board, Schmidt introduced the first-ever state marching band champions, the Rio Rancho High School Rams, who took the title in the inaugural championship competition Oct. 26.

The Rams not only won the overall trophy with their performance “Ashes of Time,” but they also won for best color guard, best percussion and best general effect. Cleveland High School took second overall.

“I’m so excited about this,” said school board President Amanda Galbraith. “This was a big deal. I could hear it going on from my house, and I don’t really live very close.”

Schmidt immediately introduced the Rams band director Matt Casarez, who brought several band members with him to address the board.

“We started the band season in mid-July and really, it just ended with that state competition,” said Casarez. “So, for them to give up that after-school time and weekends ... that’s just a testament to their tenacity and their willingness to go the extra mile to succeed.”

Rams drum majors Aurora Espinosa, Isaac Addison and Sarah Allman joined Casarez, along with several members of the color guard and ensemble.

“We couldn’t stop smiling,” Espinosa told the board. “I mean, my tears were definitely tears of joy ... We were all crying and really happy. And for me, it was the best way to end high school.”