‘The Chicken Whisperer’ by Ruth Hardy, Spring High School

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Ruth Hardy of Spring High School

During its April meeting, the Spring ISD Board of Trustees awarded a special Excellence in Visual Art Point of Pride award to Spring High School senior Ruth Hardy for her broad range of accomplishments and consistent high placement in arts competitions.

“As you know, a Point of Pride is given to a scholar for placing first or second at the state or national level,” said Visual Arts Coordinator Amanda Byers. “But what happens when a scholar repeatedly places at the state or national level? Well, tonight we get to celebrate such a student.”

Hardy was honored for consistently receiving high marks across numerous important visual art competitions, include the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Contest, the Texas Visual Arts Scholastic Event, the Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts Student Art Contest, the Spring ISD Rodeo Art Contest, and the annual Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo School Art Contest, where Hardy’s piece “The Chicken Whisperer” was one of a select group of entries chosen for this year’s official School Art Auction in May.

“These are the competitions that we in Spring ISD consider the gold standard for a visual art experience for our scholars and what prepares them to continue for their passions,” Byers said. “Over the course of her high school career, Ruth has collected numerous awards; however, this year, she has risen to new heights and has represented Spring ISD with nearly unmatched distinction.”

Hardy earned a perfect score of four at the Texas Art Education Association’s Visual Arts Scholastic Event (VASE) and qualified for this year’s State VASE. She also won Best of Show in Spring ISD’s Rodeo Art Contest before her piece went on to be selected as one of only 72 to go to auction through the school art contest at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. Earlier in April, another of her pieces was selected in the competitive Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts Student Art Contest, and will be on display at the museum through May 1.

“Ruth’s work is truly remarkable and she has a sophisticated style all her own,” Byers told trustees. “Ruth works to represent the underrepresented through her art and, in her own words, ‘My goal with my artwork is to shine light on others and provide a fresh perspective by showing the viewer what is in my mind and how I see the world. I work to make art for everyone, and to one day become a household name while I’m alive.’”

Byers also pointed out the contributions of Spring High School art teachers Edward Barnett and Lizbeth Ramagnoli – both of whom have worked as teachers with Hardy – and Spring High School Principal Diaka Melendez, together with other district leaders.

“This accomplishment would not have been possible without the support of our district’s leadership team, Dr. Watson, and our wonderful Board of Trustees, who understand the importance of ensuring a meaningful education that is rich in fine arts,” Byers said.