San Ardo Student Wins Statewide Art Contest
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KION) – The California Small School Districts' Association is proud to announce San Ardo's Zuliana Carbajal, an 8th grader in southern Monterey County, has been selected as the winner of the annual SSDA Holiday art contest for 2020.
Her artwork has been selected from over 75 submissions throughout California and her work will be featured on the annual SSDA holiday card which is sent to over 500 districts in California.
“We are thrilled to host this art contest and the work of Zuliana was just an outstanding, eye catching drawing. You can tell she is extremely talented and passionate in her work,” says Tim Taylor, SSDA executive director. “She captured the holiday spirit of children making a snowman. The simple innocence in her work yet the attention to detail stood above the 16 finalists.”
The Small School District Association is a nonprofit started in 1982 to advocate and be the voice of small rural schools throughout California.
They organization represent over 60% of districts in California. It's their primary goal to highlight students in the arts throughout the state. Event organizers say this particular competition brought together such a diverse group of students in some of our smallest towns.
“I am extremely proud of Zuliana for representing the many talents of students in small school districts on a statewide level,” said San Ardo Superintendent/Principal Dr. Catherine Reimer. “I have watched her grow not only as a talented artist but also as an exceptionally smart young lady over the past seven years. I am confident she will be tremendously successful in her future endeavors and am excited to discover what that may entail.”
Educators say during this incredibly difficult pandemic, the arts have been a great avenue to keep students' spirits and mental health balanced.
“Arts education is an integral part of the development of each human being and vital to our society,” says Dr. Deneen Guss, Monterey County Superintendent of Schools. “The arts also provide students with higher self-esteem, motivation, improved emotional expression, as well as social harmony and appreciation of diversity. We are so proud of San Ardo ESD and SSDA for their commitment to the arts. We look forward to showcasing Zuliana’s work on our county office’s website and social media accounts in December and sharing the work with our community once we reopen our offices to the public.”
Zuliana explains why she started drawing.
"I started drawing because it was a good stress reliever,” said Zuliana Cabajal. “I have liked to draw ever since I was little in kindergarten. I started with drawing cards for my parents and realized how much I loved it. I was surprised and happy that my art was chosen. I hope to one day be able to show my art more."
