Studio Arts: Kimberly Chavez, Napa Valley College Sophomore

Teacher May Jong writes this about Kimberly:

Kimberly is in her 2nd year at Napa Valley College. She has grown in confidence, dedication, and talent. Though she has a quiet demeanor, Kimberly participates in discussions and critiques and is supportive of her classmates. She pushes herself creatively and learns new techniques. Kimberly is a first-generation college student studying to become an Animator. She plans to transfer to the California College of the Arts. Kimberly wrote, “My goal when I become an Animator is to be able to create Latino characters who are their own person, representing and non-stereotypical.”

Studio Arts (TIE): Mikayla Holcomb, Justin-Siena High School Senior

Teacher Aleta Andrews writes this about Mikayla:

I have taught Mikayla for the past three years and been witness to her tremendous growth as both an artist and individual. Her skill sets over the years in art have always been above average, showcasing her steady climb in drawing and painting over the years. As an AP student this year, Mikayla has more of a chance to explore her own ideas and translate those concepts into original works of art that are truly astonishing.

Studio Arts (TIE): Taylor Webster, Napa High School Senior

Teacher Kristi Crickmore writes this about Taylor:

Taylor’s work speaks for itself. She is passionate about her craft and working hard every day to achieve and finish another beautiful piece.

Vocal: Jianne Cruz, American Canyon High School Senior

Teacher Jamie Butler writes this about Jianne:

Jianne combines her amazing talents and her kind heart to be a beloved leader in the ACHS Choir program. She plays several instruments, but at school, she chooses to share her incredible voice as a Section Leader in our Chamber Choir, Concert Choir, as well as our a cappella group PDA. This year, seeing that we needed help, she left the 1st Soprano section to take on a leadership role in the 2nd Alto section. She has also given up an extra hour of sleep to be a leader in our 1st-period 9th grade Treble Choir. Not only leading by example but also creating relationships with the younger students. I am so proud of Jianne, and I am convinced she is going to do great things beyond high school.

Digital Art (TIE): Grace Reynolds, Oxbow School Junior

Teacher Melody Yenn writes this about Grace:

Grace {is} someone of wonderful character, courageous and generative creator. I wish to highlight Grace’s digitally-informed work because it reflects a powerful creative turning point in her journey as someone who arrived at our program with great facility in drawing but sought to expand upon her skillset.  For her final course project, [she] explores her thoughts on emotional concealment and facade as well as revelation and vulnerability. In playing with contrast, hue, revealing, and concealing through layerings, she conveys a deep well of emotion and sophisticated material exploration… Her work reflects a personal gaze that is both introspective and expressive. What’s more, her tenacious work ethic and capacity for self-reflection continue to impress and will undoubtedly grow and continue to reveal a brilliant creative path.

Digital Art (TIE): Hayden Weissner, New Tech High School Senior

Teacher Lisa Gottfried writes this about Hayden:

Hayden is one of the most conscientious students I know. He always puts his whole self into each project we do and is willing to take on leadership positions. He’s just an all-around great student and is well-liked by his peers. He’s a technically precise artist who takes feedback seriously and uses it to make his work better.

Theater (Direction): Paige Gabrielle Rosal, American Canyon High School Senior

Teacher Summer Heartt writes this about Paige:

Paige has exemplified excellence, growth, and leadership through her participation in cheerleading, dance, leadership, drama, and multiple clubs and activities outside of school, including ice skating! As a drama student… Paige has performed onstage as an actor, dancer, and offstage as a stage manager. She has shown creativity and problem-solving skills as the dance captain in Newsies. This year, Paige is co-directing the beginning drama students in Alice in Wonderland. She performs with joy and exuberance, always practicing tirelessly to be ultra-prepared. She exemplifies curiosity and kindness and is well on her way to leaving a legacy that will leave an enduring positive impact on the programs she has participated in and students who will follow in her footsteps.

Theater (Acting): Gavin Morrison, Napa High School Senior

Teacher Patty Profitt writes this about Gavin:

Gavin is one of the most prolific actors in the Napa High Theatre Arts company, performing in every production that we offer. Last year, as a junior, Gavin had significant roles in The Sound of Music, Frankenstein, The Tempest, and Radium Girls. In addition, he was the central character, Peredur, in The Red Knight. He played Dr. Neville Craven in our summer musical production of The Secret Garden. 

Gavin excels at character building, using context from the script and his acting experience to portray fully realized characters… It’s been gratifying to watch him develop mannerisms and emotional depth for… any role he plays… Gavin helps to anchor the scenes that he’s in, giving his scene partners a reliable presence to play off of.

Visual (TIE): Evelyn Kim, Silverado Middle School 8th Grade

Teacher Julia Zmed writes this about Evelyn:

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):  Kaylynne Sanchez, Mayacamas Charter Middle School 8th Grade

Teacher Aimee Reed-Heidenreich writes this about Kaylynne:

Kaylynne has natural artistic ability, and it shows through her work and ideas in projects. I look forward to seeing her work in the future.

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

Teacher Jennifer Veveiros writes this about Alain:

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!

Theater (Acting): Victoria Gonzalez, Phillips Magnet School 5th Grade

Teacher Jennifer Veveiros writes this about Victoria:

During our Constitution Unit, the class learned why our country’s Constitution continues to evolve. Students studied, wrote, and performed skits to show various civil rights cases in which citizens challenged the Constitution when laws were not fair to all people. Victoria’s group performed a skit called “The March from Selma,” in which the group portrays protestors and soldiers stopping a peaceful march for the right to vote. Victoria’s performance is not only emotional, it is powerful. You can feel the devastation of police brutality. She naturally creates a tone of devastation at the loss of a civil rights protester during her part of the skit. Victoria is a natural actress, and I hope she pursues theater in the future!

Studio 3-5: Diego Olvera Jones, Phillips Magnet School 5th Grade

Teacher Jennifer Veveiros  writes this about Diego:

As part of our unit on El Dia de los Muertos, the class drew pencil drawings of a skull. Diego’s skull has so much detail, and for his first time using shading techniques, he really hit the mark. His skull is so realistic and well-drawn. Diego really took his time to make his drawing look just right!

Studio K-2 (TIE): Danixsa Nunez Eusebio Phillips Magnet School 1st Grade

Studio K-2 (TIE): Joseph Garcia Phillips Magnet School 1st Grade

Teacher Paula Sotiras  writes this about Danixsa and Joseph:

Danixsa and Joseph created an image of an acorn using the cubist style with bright colors and bold lines. They did very well.