Studio Arts: Meg Rhodes, Napa Valley College Sophomore

Teacher May Jong writes this about Meg:

Meg created this collage for her Color Theory class. She painstakingly cut tiny flowers and accurately depicted folds in the children’s clothing with colored paper for this monochromatic recreation of a John Sargent Singer painting. She wrote, “Pursuing an art degree at Napa has helped me build my confidence in my decision to go back to school, and I am loving every moment of it. I am excited to see how my art skills continue to develop and evolve.” Meg, who has a background in the culinary arts, plans on pursuing a degree in graphic design. Her dream is to work in publishing and collaborate with chefs to create beautiful cookbooks

Digital Arts: Stefany Perez, California State University Sacramento, College Junior

Executive Director of the Napa County Historical Society, Sheli Smith, writes this about Stefany:

Stefany began [her education at] Napa Community College and then matriculated into the Public History program at Sacramento State University. Stefany’s work in digital exhibit design at the Napa County Historical Society and her exploration of technology and its roles in the changing world reveals the intricate interweave of art, design, heritage, and technology with diversity, inclusion, and access. The goal of NCHS exhibits is to explore unheard and under-told heritage stories of Napa Valley, amplifying the rich and diverse history of the area through visually engaging exhibits. Translating NCHS exhibits to a digital platform is an important step in expanding access to underrepresented audiences, regardless of ethnicity or age. The digital exhibits are a permanent record, showcasing the collections of the Historical Society and adding voice to the larger community. Through Stefany’s work, her exhibits used design and visually appealing aesthetics to tell often untold heritage stories.

Vocal (TIE): Olivia Hall, Napa High School Senior

Teacher Duncan Cooper writes this about Olivia:

Olivia Hall has been such a light in our choir program at Napa High School. Not only has she participated at the highest levels of the program (Chamber Choir & Vocal Music Workshop) for two years, but she has also auditioned into a leading role in our last three musicals. Beyond these performances acumen, Olivia brings a positive attitude and strong work ethic to each rehearsal. She makes sure to uplift her peers, and help them to improve in their disciplines. Olivia is a model student in our program, which is focused on “Building Community Through Music.” She has internalized and spearheaded this mission statement, making the NHS Choir program a safe place for all students regardless of talent or background. She is more than deserving of a Student of the Month award for Vocal Music.

Vocal (TIE): Dylan Ernst, American Canyon High School Senior

Teacher Jamie Butler writes this about Dylan:

Dylan is one of the best leaders I have ever taught. He is in the Chamber choir, our a cappella group PDA, and is a section leader in Concert Choir. He has a strong singing voice, but that is not why he is such a remarkable leader. He is a fairly quiet kid who leads by example and through his incredible kindness. Dylan regularly affirms his classmates with thoughtful words to encourage those around him. He sees the bigger picture with people and understands that including everyone in a community is what we are put on this earth to do. I am so proud of Dylan and have been inspired and encouraged by having been his teacher these four years. He is a wonderful human being who will change the world with every person he meets!

Creative Writing: Vivian Draganic, Oxbow School Senior

Teacher Wayan Buschman writes this about Vivian:

It is evident in just this short excerpt that Vivi’s writing bursts with unusual imagination. While her poems shroud the specific intentions behind each piece, the sentiments surrounding each one are abundantly clear. In the final writing portfolio that Vivi submitted for her humanities class final, each poem brims with paradoxes, where love is tinged with melancholy. It is this ability to capture disparate emotions simultaneously that sets Vivi’s work apart. Her voice is enigmatic, visceral, and eerie, in turns, and then — suddenly — all at once. Her visual artwork captures this same paradox of mood, where her trademark colorful creatures are more uncanny than childish at second glance. Both these written and visual mediums are glimpses into a whimsical interior world that will leave readers and viewers hoping for more.

Studio Arts: Grant Dion, Justin-Siena High School Sophomore

Teacher Aleta Andrews writes this about Grant:

Grant Dion is an exceptional student and a wonderful individual who is truly dedicated to his work as an artist. He has a passion for lowbrow street art and illustration. He is currently working on his AP portfolio based on how he can elevate the art of street art to represent and elevate various cultures and vice versa—taking another look at how street art differs from graffiti and can, in fact, be beautiful. I believe he illustrates this concept beautifully in his work.

Digital Art: America De La Torre, New Tech High School Senior

Teacher Lisa Gottfried writes this about America:

America is the kind of student who leads in all teamwork. She has a sense of kindness and the ability to help all of her teammates succeed. She has a keen eye for detail, focuses on clear and careful technique, and creates beautiful final products. She’s a quiet force in the classroom.

Theater Acting (TIE): Aron Alejandro, American Canyon High School Senior

Teacher Summer Heartt writes this about Aron:

Sometimes, a student waits until their senior year to take drama, but as a performer onstage and devising collaborator, he shines. Aron has never performed onstage before but has taken on a lead role with nonstop curiosity and grace. He constantly strives to improve, be clearer, make bigger choices, and make sure the story is appropriate to the time as well as creating the world of the play. He tirelessly researched upon which to base his performance and brought what he learned into the storyline and his acting choices. Aron’s performance is compelling and convincing, elevating everyone to his level.

Theater Acting (TIE): Grace Exum, Napa High School Senior

Teacher Patty Profitt writes this about Grace:

Grace is passionate about creating theatre, and it has been a pleasure to guide her for the past four years as a part of the Napa High Theatre Arts program. As she has grown and thrived as an actor, her roles have deepened in complexity and reflected her increasing talents. One skill that Grace showed an early affinity for is working on characterization with her peers. She has an exemplary ability to give suggestions and feedback in a supportive manner. Grace is an unwavering advocate for theatre education. As a thespian, Grace has achieved honor status, which represents 600 hours of quality theatre work.

Visual (TIE): Zielle Bell, American Canyon Middle School, 8th Grade

Teacher Shawna Hoxsie writes this about Zielle:

Evelyn is nonstop. After three years, she continues to ask questions, push her skills, and obsessively pursue perfecting her characters from her personal narratives. Her ideas are often abstract and well beyond her years, which is to say every conversation about art (or anything else for that matter) is a delight! Evelyn is creative and smart in a way that makes me feel good about the future of our world–I will miss her terribly next year!

Visual (TIE): Nadia Ramirez, Mayacamas Charter Middle School, 6th Grade

Teacher Aimee Reed-Heidenreich writes this about Nadia:

Nadia is a gifted artist in all the mediums we have used so far this year. She did a wonderful job with her value project.

Theater (Direction): Alex Alaina Elizabeth, American Canyon Middle School, 7th Grade

Teacher Sarah Grant writes this about Alex Alaina :

Alex Alaina is a dedicated Theatre student who is at every rehearsal and always gives their best. This year, Alex Alaina took on a brand new role- Lighting Design and Lighting tech. Alex offered ideas they wanted to implement into the show, designed lights with guidance, and worked the lights during both shows. Alex Alaina demonstrates the excellence and commitment that any Theatre teacher would be proud of and thankful for.

Theater Production (TIE): Raeleen Suratos, American Canyon Middle School, 8th Grade

Teacher Sarah Grant writes this about Raeleen:

Raeleen is a first-time Theatre student. She was a stellar stage manager for our recent Midsummerish production. She handled reteaching blocking, and helping the students project more clearly. She filled in for missing students during rehearsals, took concise notes on everything, and did an amazing job running the show backstage! Way to go on your first time doing one of the most difficult backstage jobs.

Theater Production (TIE): LaShaun Watson Jones, American Canyon Middle School, 7th Grade

Teacher Sarah Grant writes this about LaShaun:

LaShaun was an excellent first-time sound designer and board operator for our most recent performance. She communicated effectively, worked with myself and classmates, and used her own creativity to bring extra life to the production. I am very thankful for LaShaun’s dedication to Theatre, not only as a light person, but as an actress and a wonderful member of the class.

Theater Acting (TIE): Alivia Spears, American Canyon Middle School, 8th Grade

Teacher Sarah Grant writes this about Alivia:Alivia is the class Theatre president and has collaborated with the class to create the best classroom experience they can before moving on to high school. Alivia really embodied Puck [in Midsummerish] with her open and fun nature- she made the show(and mischief) so much fun to watch. I am so proud to have seen Alivia grow these last almost three years, and I am excited to see what she accomplishes in the future.

Theater Acting (TIE): Melody Kaner, American Canyon Middle  School, 7th Grade

Teacher Sarah Grant writes this about Melody:

Melody is such a hard-working and passionate student in Theatre class. She has taken on huge roles this year and really produces a fully conceptualized character on stage. Melody is willing to try new character choices and takes feedback with ease. This year, she has received two major roles, but still encourages and supports the class and community for everyone to grow and excel in collaboration.

3D Art: Alain Pena Nunez, Phillips Magnet School, 5th Grade

Teacher Jennifer Veveiros writes this about Alain:

To celebrate Black History Month, students learned about the art of Faith Ringgold. We created story quilts out of construction paper and oil pastels, and Alain really worked hard to make a border that resembled a quilt. He also created a scene from a happy moment in his life (when he and his family went ice skating). Alain took all he learned from our art lessons and poured it into his own creation. He is a truly talented artist and deserves to be recognized

Additionally, during our unit on El Dia de los Muertos, students painted skulls on rocks. Alain’s details in his line and colors are superb! Alain worked hard to make his skull resemble a candy skull that is traditionally eaten during this holiday. Alain’s painting is a result of his artistic creativity!

Studio (TIE): Daniel Castro, Bel Aire Park Magnet School, 5th Grade

Teacher Tere Charney writes this about Daniel:

Daniel is an incredibly focused artist who takes risks with his creativity and seems so happy when drawing, painting, and using collage and oil pastels. He is continually fearless and focused when creating! He is a role model, courteous, and generous when explaining his art and helping others. His classroom teacher and his classmates love including him as an artist leader when working in groups. For his young age, his understanding of art concepts is way beyond his grade level.