A sure sign of spring in Houston is the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, and for student artists in Spring ISD that means the Rodeo Art Reception & Awards Ceremony.  

The reception was held at the Randall Reed Center at Planet Ford Stadium on Friday, Jan. 28. Along with more than 500 works of art on display by students from around the district, there were also outdoor games, a photo booth, a cookie booth, and a live DJ.

Each year, students from more than 130 school districts around Houston provide artwork for the School Art Program at the Rodeo. Individual artists can be selected to display artwork in the Hayloft Gallery at the Rodeo, and schools can receive the Super Show award for their outstanding participation.

For Spring ISD student artists, the chance to present their work on such a large scale is important.

“I think it’s incredibly important for the student artists to be celebrated and to have a chance to showcase their efforts,” said Amanda Byers, Visual Art Coordinator for Spring ISD. “It was phenomenal to see so many families in attendance honoring these students and teachers, making them feel special, and acknowledging their talent.”

Organizers said around 1,500 students, family members, teachers, and community members attended the event.

At Friday’s reception, several student artists were presented as Best of Show, Gold Medal, and Special Merit winners. Those students awarded were:

Best of Show, High School

• Isaiah LaFleur, 11th Grade, Dekaney High School
• Cartalena Russel, 10th Grade, Spring High School

Gold Medal, High School

• Damarcus Scott, 12th Grade, Dekaney High School
• Matthew Davis, 11th Grade, Spring High School

Special Merit, High School

• Jaleel Williams-Toney, 11th Grade, Dekaney High School
• Way Soe, 12th Grade, Dekaney High School

Best of Show, Middle School

• David Heard, 8th Grade, Twin Creeks Middle School

Gold Medal, Middle School

• Laila Lopez, 8th Grade, Bailey Middle School

Best of Show, Elementary School

• Megan Hernandez, 5th Grade, Carolee Booker Elementary School

Gold Medal, Elementary School

• Franklin Osorto, 4th Grade, Carolee Booker Elementary School

These winners will go on to compete in the Rodeo’s school artwork competition, and be on display throughout the duration of the event. Another exhibition of student artwork, the Spring Art Show Reception and Award Ceremony, will be held in May.